Philip Dunn says he cannot understand why arsonists who targeted his rabbit hutch would want to harm his beloved pets.

The 29-year-old could not believe it when he awoke to find someone had tried to burn down the hutch in his back garden.

Police are investigating and have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Mr Dunn, of The Rosary, Wootton Bassett, said: "Someone was trying to kill the rabbits and I think it's someone who has got it in for me.

"Luckily they survived but I'm scared whoever did it will come back and do it again."

Mr Dunn, who is a carer for his 67-year-old mother, Marion, had to take one of the rabbits to the vets yesterday.

He said: "One was struggling to breathe because it had swallowed some smoke. It's been going on for a few months and people have let the rabbits out before but nothing like this.

"It's just terrible. Why would anyone want to hurt the rabbits?"

Police have described the attack on rabbits Caroline and Trisha as a cruel offence. Insp Mark Levitt said officers had carried out door-to-door inquiries.

He said: "It was about 10pm on Wednesday and unknown persons have attempted to set light to the rabbit hutch in the back garden.

"The hutch door was blackened. It's a really unusual and really cruel offence."

Anyone with information on this arson attack should call Wootton Bassett police on 0845 408 7000.