DOZENS of firefighters from across Hampshire have tackled a blaze at a New Forest laundry.

Crews from Southampton are among those at the scene of the fire at the business unit, on Shore Road, in Hythe.

Firefighters from St Marys, Hightown, Redbridge, Eastleigh, Romsey, New Milton, Hardley, Beaulieu and Totton tackled the blaze, which broke out around 5am today.

Crews used breathing apparatus and three hose jets to extinguish the fire.

Police were also called to scene to assist in traffic management.

Darren Wynne, a security officer at Hythe Marina Park opposite the scene, said: "I came in at five this morning.

"I thought I could smell smoke.”

Glenn Bowyer, a firefighter at the scene, said: “We were informed at around 5.30am. Additional resources were called for to gain entry.

“It’s quite a difficult task due to this being a laundry [business]. Crews have been working really hard in really arduous conditions to get the fire under control.

“It is now under control. We’re going to be here a bit longer, a couple more hours.”

Mr Bowyer also asked for members of the public to stay away from the area.”

He added: “The cause of the fire will be investigated.”