FIRE crews have been tackling a fire in Basingstoke this afternoon (Monday).

Emergency services were called to Winton Square today after a fire broke out at a massage parlour. 

Winchester Road next to the Wheatsheaf Pub is closed while the incident is dealt with. 

A fire service spokesperson said: "Crews from Basingstoke, Fleet and Rushmoor were called to a massage parlour on Winchester Road shortly after 1.30pm this afternoon. 

"The building had been evacuated but firefighters arrived to find smoke issuing from the first-floor. 

"Hampshire Constabulary colleagues were requested to manage the traffic. 

"The fire has now been extinguished with firefighters wearing six sets of breathing apparatus using two hose reels and one jet, before clearing the smoke with ventilation fans. 

"Most vehicles have returned to station but a few crews remain on the scene damping down."

Residents in the area told the Gazette that they could see smoke coming from the building.

A local resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There's a big fire above the shops. The fire engine will be a big problem as it's in the middle of the road. There's a lot smoke."

More as we have it