FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a blaze in a Hampshire field which is expected to last days.

More than 400 tonnes of bailed straw was found alight last night when firefighters from crews across the county started battling the flames.

Crews from Andover, Basingstoke, Overton, Eastleigh and Bordon have been trying to control the fire in the field in Malshanger area near Basingstoke.

The blaze started at 10.18pm, and a spokesperson for Basingstoke Fire Station, said: “We can't put it out so we are controlling it by letting it burn itself out. There is nothing near the fire and no people or properties are in danger.”

He added that the fire is expected to last for the rest of the today and possibly tomorrow.

Two appliances and crews from Basingstoke and Rushmoor are at the scene as part of the controlled burnout. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.