A family fled for their lives after fire ripped through their home in Hampshire this morning.

An investigation is this morning underway after the fire swept through the home in the New Forest.

A woman and her three children escaped from the two storey chalet bungalow in Springfield Avenue in Holbury at 6.20am.

The flames took hold upstairs spreading rapidly through the roof while the family were in bed and alerted by smoke alarms.

The fire spread downstairs and to the garage of a neighbouring property where a woman also had to flee.

Daily Echo:

Crews of 35 firefighters from St Mary's, Redbridge, Beaulieu, Hardley, Hythe and Portchester stations battled the flames using an arial ladder platform.

The flames completely destroyed the roof and upper floor and caused damage to the downstairs and the neighbouring property.

Daily Echo:

An investigation is underway and police and sse engineers are working in the street.

The family are sheltering in a nearby house with residents.