Nearly a dozen fire engines tackled a blaze which tore through a row of thatched cottages in Sutton Scotney.

The first call came into Hampshire Fire & Rescue at 1.19pm on Monday afternoon. 

Crews spent four hours at the scene attempting to get the blaze under control.

A number of road closures were put in place with fire fighters forced to leave their engines to get to acess to the row of houses. 

Basingstoke Gazette: At the scene: A firefighter fills a pool of water in Sutton ScotneyAt the scene: A firefighter fills a pool of water in Sutton Scotney

(Photo credit: Jon Queen)

A spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) confirmed eleven crews had been sent to the fire in Stockbridge Road, Sutton Scotney. 

The public were warned to stay away from the aware.

The A30 Stockbridge Road West junction with Stockbridge Road was closed, along with the A30 Stockbridge Rd West junction with Oxford Road and outside the Gratton Road Surgery.

Lisa Matthews, who works at 3V Natural Foods next door to the properties, told The Hampshire Chronicle: "When we first came in earlier today we all thought it smelt like a bonfire. 

"Then one of our staff members popped out and came back in shouting 'fire!'. I've never experienced anything like this in my life. 

"It's been very scary, and I was really shocked when I found out how serious the fire was. I didn't see the flames at first, because the smoke just made everything so unclear."

A resident who lives just down the road from the affected thatched-roof houses, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "Thankfully, my property won't be affected, because of the brilliant job the fire service have done, putting in the protection needed.

"But I can only feel very sorry for my fellow neighbours, who I'm sure are absolutely devastated."

Dave Bomfrey, of Gratton Close, about a five minute walk from Stockbridge Road, said: "I only came down here because I couldn't believe how much smoke was in the village green."