EIGHTY cars went up in flames in a huge blaze a scrapyard near Southampton last night.

Up to 30 firefighter tackled the bonfire at the four-acre Silverlake breakers yard in Shedfield.

The cars were all laden with fuel products such as petrol, diesel, oil, and brake fluid.

Firefighters used four jets and two sets of breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control.

Hazardous waste from the fire was contained by drainage systems on the site in Botley Road.

Firefighters were called out just before 8pm.

Crews were sent from Wickham, Botley, Bishops Waltham, and Hightown fire stations as well as two water carrier appliances from Fareham and Eastleigh.

They were still damping down the wreckage this morning to make sure there were no further flare ups.

Group manager Tom Carr of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Our fire crews worked extremely hard in very hot conditions, ensuring that safety was paramount and that the fire was confined to a small section of the breakers yard.

"Silverlake's on site management and storage facilities, with vehicles stored in a three-bay racking system, along with good access around the yard, also assisted with the containment of the fire."

A joint investigation will be carried out today fire investigation officers and Hampshire Constabulary.

Early indications suggest that the blaze may have started in one of the vehicles, however the cause of this incident is as yet unknown. The cars were insured.