MORE than 40 firefighters tackled a blaze on a Hampshire industrial park today.

The fire on the estate near Totton started at about 2.40am.

Fire crews from across Southampton, the New Forest and Salisbury were called to the blaze in Chapel Lane, Rushington.

More than six hours after the fire started, crews were still on the scene damping down hotspots as smoke continued to rise from the devastated building.

Specialist investigation officers were due to begin searching for clues as to what caused the fire at 9am.

Flames ripped through the ground floor, first floor and roof of two units, which are part of a two-storey building.

It is understood the businesses involved are the Chapel Auto Repair Services MOT centre, and Convert-E-Lite, a wholesale emergency lighting firm, which are both based in Contech House.

Lighting company boss Glyn Bull was told of the blaze early this morning, and arrived to see the unit virtually destroyed.

He said: "I'm pretty devastated really. It's been a long time 15 to 20 years.

"We have a lot of work on a the moment and we have just taken on two more people. We're pretty devastated."

Among the fire crews are the scene were from Totton, Redbridge, Lyndhurst, Hythe, St Mary’s and Beaulieu.

In total, seven appliances have been sent to the scene.

They have used jets, breathing apparatus and aerial platforms from St Mary's and Salisbury as they tackle the blaze in the building, which measures 30m by 25m.