An Essex animal sanctuary is grieving after the loss of two beloved marmoset monkeys who they claim died of fright due to fireworks "continuously" let off near the shelter.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, at Sawyer's Hall Farm in Brentwood, has revealed its marmosets Oleg and Herman died at the weekend, and the shelter now fears their third family member Jimbo could die due to his grief.

The rescue centre claims the marmosets died of fright after fireworks were "continuously let off next to the sanctuary".

After the deaths, the charity is now pleading with members of the public to attend organised events that comply with guidelines, and has thanked the community for their "kind" support.

Hopefield shared on Facebook: "It is with broken hearts that we have to inform you that we lost Oleg and Herman the Marmosets at the weekend.

"They quite literally died of fright thanks to fireworks being continuously let off next to our sanctuary: a place that should be a peaceful haven for animals, many of which have already faced trauma in their pre-Hopefield lives.

"Not only did we lose Oleg and Herman in the most senseless of circumstances, but they have left behind Jimbo, their third family member. This bonded trio were everything to one another, and we now face the quite significant possibility of losing Jimbo to his grief.

"He is beside himself with sadness, and anyone who thinks that pretty lights in the sky are more important than an animal’s life should come and see Jimbo crying for his loved ones."

The charity added: "We never asked for anyone not to enjoy displays, we just asked they didn’t do it near the sanctuary and to attend organised events that complied with guidelines. That was not a big ask."

Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society, based in Pitsea Hall Lane, has offered its condolences to the sanctuary as it says the skies near its own "sounded like a warzone for hours" during fireworks night.

A spokesman shared: "We send our deepest sympathies to all at Hopefield and poor little Jimbo. The skies near our own sanctuary sounded like a warzone for hours with the amount of fireworks going off.

"Thankfully, we were only met with a few messy stables and not a deceased horse, pony, pig, cat, goat or chicken during our checks.

"It is high time some stronger regulations and permits were put in place when it comes to the handling of fireworks. Rest in Peace Oleg and Herman."