HORRIFYING footage shows smoke billowing from a block of flats in Basingstoke.

The fire started on Saturday afternoon (May 27), with emergency services rushing to the scene.

Videos from Richard Boxall, who was filming from a nearby property, show flames and black smoke pouring from around four of the flats.

READ MORE: Smoke billows across Basingstoke as firefighters battle fire in block of flats

The smoke could be seen from as far as five miles away in Kempshott but visibly cleared less than an hour after the fire was first spotted by locals just before 4pm.

A number of road closures, including Oakridge Road, Stratfield Road, and Normanton Road, have been enforced while the fire service responds.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police advised people to steer clear of the area.

Bus services have also been disrupted with Stagecoach's number five route being cancelled for the foreseeable.