Brits dig deep for razed dogs' home

The appeal was launched following a horrific blaze that claimed the lives of 53 animals. Photo / Thinkstock

A dogs' home in northern England says it is "overwhelmed" after an online appeal raised 1 million ($2m) in 24 hours from more than 110,000 donations.

The appeal was launched following a horrific blaze that claimed the lives of 53 animals. Around 150 dogs were rescued from the Manchester Dogs' Home in Harpurhey, north Manchester.

Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of arson over the devastating fire on Friday.

Hundreds of volunteers immediately flocked to the scene bearing blankets and dog food, and a JustGiving site was immediately launched by the Manchester Evening News.

On its Twitter page, the 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. A million [pounds]. A million good hearts, a million amazing people thank you thank you thank you."

Police officer Neil Jones said a neighbourhood officer "was passing and saw a plume of smoke coming up from the dogs' home and responded really quickly, as did a vast number of the local community and the fire service."

Lisa Graham, from the home, added: "We had staff here last night that were coming out of the kennels in tears with dogs they knew. There were dogs in there that they cared for that they lost."

- AAP