Firefighters worked into the early hours of the morning to tackle what was described as a "substantial" fire that occurred at a stable in Co. Wexford overnight.

The alarm was raised just before 9:00p.m last night (Monday, April 6) to the outbreak of fire at a stable in Ballykelly, near New Ross.

Two fire units, as well as a water tanker, from New Ross attended the scene, as well as another unit from Wexford town.

According to local sources, a horse died as a result of the fire.

Wexford County Fire Service confirmed that a "large hay shed" at the location, containing straw, hay and agricultural machinery, was on fire.

The fire service said its personnel worked into the night and brought the fire under control early this morning (Tuesday, April 7).

According to the fire service, the scene is under the control of the gardaí and an investigation is set to take place.

In a statement, Wexford County Council confirmed: "Wexford county fire services were alerted to a fire at 8:50p.m, April 6 [at] a stable located at Ballykelly, New Ross.

"Two units and a water tanker from New Ross responded with a further one unit from Wexford town. On arrival, a large hay shed containing straw, hay and agricultural machinery was involved in a substantial fire," the fire service added.

"Firefighters worked long into the night before bringing the blaze under control in the early hours of the morning," the statement said.

"The scene is currently under control of the gardaí and subject to investigation, therefore we have no further comment at present," Wexford County Fire Service added.

Down hay shed fire

Also this month, 300 sheep were safety removed from a hay shed in Co. Down where a fire occurred last week.

The fire broke out at a property on Cascum Road, to the south of Banbridge.

The alarm was raised just after 9:00p.m last Thursday night (April 3). Over 40 personnel and six fire engines worked to extinguish the fire.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said that 300 sheep were removed to safety by the service's Large Animal Rescue Team, which is based in Newcastle, Co. Down.