A guard dog trapped in a burning shed was recovering today after being rescued by fire-fighters.

Toby, a German Shepherd dog, was saved after being shut into the shed, which was then set alight.

Firefighters from Fairweather Green fire station arrived at 7.55 last night after getting a report about smoke pouring from the compound of M and M Fencing in Bellshaw Street, Fairweather Green.

Firefighter Michael Smith said: "The dog had been trapped inside and wood piled up against the door.

"It was only a small fire but enough to kill the dog.

"He was frightened to death and so were we when we saw the dog but he calmed down when his owner arrived. He was quite a nice dog really.

"It was lucky the yard was so near the fire station so we could get there quickly."

Margaret McCreedy, who owns the dog, said she and her partner Barry McEvan were baffled as to why anyone would want to kill Toby.

She said: "We got him from a dog's home last year but he's not very fierce.

"He barks but we've had no complaints from people living nearby.

Mrs McCreedy said she believed Toby, who is thought to be around two years old, had been badly treated as a pup.

"We got him as a guard dog but his spirit's broken and he's a bit soft.

"We'll probably get another dog to help him out, one which is bit more fierce."

She added the arsonists had used fencing to build the fire and had wedged shut the door of the large shed, which serves as Toby's kennel.

In January two youths were arrested after breaking into the yard.

Police were today investigating the latest incident.

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