ANIMAL lovers have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds online following a blaze which killed more than 50 dogs.

The huge public response has come through various JustGiving accounts as police continue to question a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of arson at Manchester Dogs Home.

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Bosses at the charity which cares for more than 7,000 stray and unwanted dogs each year said they were "overwhelmed" with the offers of help.

More than £260,000 has been donated on a JustGiving account and another £25,000 by local radio presenter Chelsea Norris, with the cash totals expected to rise throughout the day.

Key 103 breakfast show presenter Miss Norris tweeted: "Woke up to the news we raised this for @manchdogs Thanks everyone, support is not only appreciated but mind blowing."

KATHInsight from the Ribble Valley tweeted: "We're truly a nation of dog lovers, great amount of £ raised! Wish we'd do the same for our human friends too #homeless."

On its Twitter page, Manchester Dogs Home said: "Words are not enough. Thank you everyone, you have touched our hearts and surrounded us with love and we are truly grateful.

"We are overwhelmed with the offers of help, support and money. Grateful and humbled."

Hundreds of residents flocked to the site in Moss Brook Road with dog blankets, cages and food, with some reportedly helping to save some of the animals.

More than 30 firefighters brought the blaze under control with damage caused to about a third of the kennels.

Anna Stansfield, manager of Cheshire Dogs Home, described the blaze as "soul destroying" and added all the rescued dogs would be transferred to its sister site in Warrington, Cheshire.

She said she could not comment on the circumstances of the blaze but confirmed that four members of staff were working there at the time.

Ms Stansfield said: "I cannot describe what we have seen tonight. It's soul destroying."

A joint investigation by Greater Manchester Police and GMFRS into the cause of the fire is under way.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said that 53 dogs had died so far, while about 150 were rescued.

Detective Inspector Neil Jones said: "The response from the public has been overwhelming and this is clearly an incident that has tugged on the heart strings of many.

"A number of people including police officers and staff were quickly on the scene and put their life on the line to help with the rescue effort.

"We are determined to establish exactly how and why this fire started and will be working closely with our partners from the fire service.

"As part of the investigation a 15-year-old boy has been arrested and he will be spoken to throughout the course of the day.

"If anyone has any information about this fire I would encourage them to contact us.

"Our switchboard, like social media has been overrun with people wanting to help and I would ask people to not call the police unless they have information about the investigation or those responsible.

"Anyone wanting to donate items such as food and blankets can do so by bringing them to the north Manchester police headquarters. A Justgiving page has also been set up for anyone wanting to donate cash.

"If you have information about the fire then please call us".

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Manchester & Cheshire Dogs Home opened in 1893 and has re-homed more than one million dogs.

The registered charity is said to care for more than 7,000 stray and unwanted dogs each year and manages to re-home 95% of them.

Among those donating on the home's JustGiving account were Dominic Hunt who wrote: "Heartbreaking. I wish I could give more" and Susan and Leanne Gresty, who said: "There are no words to describe the sadness we are feeling for the poor little animals who have lost their lives and those that are suffering tonight."

Singer Jodie Prenger, a patron for Manchester & Cheshire Dogs' Home, tweeted: "All my thoughts are with you guys. It's broke my heart to hear such sad news."

The total given to the home hit the £500,000 mark by mid-morning with more than 50,000 people making online donations.

You can donate by text by sending MDOG57 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070