A FUEL tanker has overturned spilling up to 2,000 litres of kerosene near to a popluar fisheries lake.

The tanker rolled onto its side in a gulley along Coombe Road outside East Meon.

Firefighters and an Environment Agency pollution team are battling to contain the spill and prevent it from running into surrounding water courses.

A spokesman for Hampshire Fire Service said the kerosene had leaked from a roof vent on the tanker which is believed to contain a further 5,000 litres of the highly flammable liquid.

Part of the road has been blocked and police have put road closures in place at Coombe Road and Coombe Cross. Police are warning drivers to avoid the area.

The crash happened on the hill near Coombe Cross at 9.50am.

A police spokeswoman said the driver of the tanker was not hurt and no other vehicles were involved.

She added the road closures could remain in place until 10pm and several homes may need to be evacuated.

The scene of the accident is near to the Meon Spring Fly Fishery lakes at Whitewool Farm, which are stocked with rainbow and brown trout.

Residents have been notified. Hampshire County Council and Environment Agency officers are at the scene.

Environment Agency spokeman Joe Giacomelli said: "Our emergency pollution teams were called into action to limit any environmental impacts of kerosene entering local watercourses or sensitive groundwater.

"Environment Agency officers are responding to reduce the harmful effects of the kerosene, working with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to minimise any damage done.

“At this point, there is a low risk of immediate harm to the River Meon, however, we will continue to closely monitor the situation to determine whether there will be any longer term impacts on the groundwater and the watercourse."