THIS is the dramatic moment firefighters began to battle a blaze which had engulfed a car in the middle of a quite residential road.

Residents were left in shock when the Citroen burst into flames in the early hours of this morning.

The vehicle was parked in Downscroft Gardens in Hedge End when the blaze started at around 2am.

The flames were extinguished by a crew from Hightown fire station in Southampton, who spent half an hour at the scene.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the car was "severely damaged" in the blaze.

The cause is not known.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue tweeted: "Multiple calls received by control and Hightown crews mobilised to a car fire at Downscroft Gardens, Hedge End.

"The car was severely damaged by fire."

Daily Echo:

(The burnt-out remains of the car - picture by Rebecca Paling)