A VEHICLE carrying 26 tonnes of scrap metal set fire near Hartley Wintney on Monday morning (July 5) causing road closure and traffic delays.

Firefighters were called to a "large vehicle fire" on the A30 at Star Hill in Hartley Wintney at 10.37am.

Speaking to the Gazette, a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "The heavy goods vehicle involved was carrying 26 tonnes of scrap metal and was fully alight when crews from Hartley Wintney, Fleet and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene.

"A specialist water carrier vehicle was required from Andover.

"Hampshire Police closed the road as HIWFRS tackled the blaze using two sets of breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet and one main jet.

"Firefighters returned to station following the stop message at 12:26."

Police confirmed that they were made aware of the fire at 10.39am and assisted with road closures alongside Highways England.

The A30 southbound was closed, and queues of traffic led to considerable delays.

However, by 12.48pm it was back open and clear.

The fire service confirmed that nobody was hurt in the incident.