A PENSIONER fears another bird fancier could be responsible for a fire that killed more than 100 of his pigeons.

Robert Black, 72, has been left “devastated” by a fire which wiped out racing pigeons and a loft in an allotment close to Alkincoats Park, Colne.

Mr Black, who is president of the North East Lancashire Racing Pigeon Federation, was in a pub late on Thursday night when his wife rang to say a fire had broken out in the allotment.

At the scene, he found firemen damping down the wrecked loft. Around 120 racing pigeons were killed in the blaze, which caused damage worth £8,000.

Mr Black, of Melling Court, Colne, said he suspected fellow pigeon fanciers of sabotaging years of hard work by killing his beloved birds.

He said: “The whole loft is completely devastated but Thursday was damp and there was nothing combustible in there.

“I think someone must have taken a can of petrol across there because there was nothing there to burst into flames. I think it’s arson.”

However, despite the carnage, “devastated” Mr Black has vowed to carry on breeding pigeons.

He added: “I feel so frustrated because there’s nothing I can do about it and I knew the individual pigeons from them winning races.

“But I will start again – I am not giving up to people like that.

“Pigeons keep me busy. I will not let these people beat me.”

Sgt Andy Cartwright, from Colne police, said the cause had not yet been established.

He urged witnesses to call police on 01282 472485 or Crimestoppers, 0800 555111.