FIRE crews from across Hampshire are dealing with a major thatch blaze.

Daily Echo:

These dramatic images show the scene of a thatch fire in Longparish where fire fighters are desperately attempting to battle a blaze.

Daily Echo:

10 pumps and around 70 fire fighters are currently attending the blaze, which has also forced Hampshire Police to close off the nearby B3048.

Daily Echo:

Hampshire Police say that the road is closed in both directions from the A303 up to Southside Road and the Middleway and that it could be closed "for several hours".

Drivers are advised to avoid the area.

Officer in charge of the incident Area Manager Jason Avery said: "Our firefighters have been working hard to extinguish the fire in this property. The crews have done a fantastic job in salvaging contents of the house whilst fighting the fire from outside.

"I would also like to thank the local community for their support during this incident, who have helped to relocate the homeowners and the items which have been salvaged from the property."

Attending crews came from Andover, Whitchurch, Overton, Winchester, Alresford, Basingstoke, Redbridge, Eastleigh and Romsey.

Fire crews will remain on the scene throughout the evening to ensure the fire is fully extinguished and no hot spots remain.

The cause of the incident is not yet known but it is believed to have started in the property and spread to the roof area. An investigation will follow to establish the cause.