A couple are desperately attempting to rebuild their livelihood after a set of stables was destroyed in an arson attack.

Ron and Linda Nightingale, of Westminster Road, Sutton, care for 13 horses now left homeless after a fire tore through stables and storage blocks at the end of Richland Avenue, Coulsdon, on Sunday (January 29).

A Shetland pony and horse housed in the stables, as well as the couple’s guard dog, Scrap, were unharmed after the equines were set free and Scrap was tied to a nearby post.

Mr Nightingale, said: “We’ve lost everything, it is just a wreckage. The horses were saved which is a small mercy but we are now having to keep them in the field permanently during this cold weather.

“We were called at home at 11.30pm to say it was on fire. When we came down we found the horses in the field and after a long search found scrap tied up.”

The pair lost more than £3,000 in equipment such as bridles, saddles, mowers and animal fodder.

Mr Nightingale, who has owned the stables for 18 years, explained he had been unable to get insurance due to the remote location.

“It is such a quiet spot. I’m not going to let this beat me though, though I feel like it at the moment. You have just got to pick yourself up and carry on."

Mrs Nightingale, 43, who works at Morrisons in Sutton, said: “We are hoping people out there will offer support. Ideally we need scaffolding and some sheets just to put up some temporary shelter.”

Andrew Miller, whose horse Blue was the one let out of the stables before they were ignited, said: “We need help. If anyone can offer any support to help Ron and Linda out that would be amazing.”

Anyone able to offer assistance should contact Linda Nightingale on 07432 139 043.