A PUB has been flooded after a water main burst in the New Forest.

The Forest Inn in Ashurst has closed after the incident, which happened on the A35 at about 5am this morning.

Pictures from the scene show water inside the building, as well as across the road.

Police closed the road to mortorists this morning but it is now open with temporary signals in place.

A pub statement on Facebook says: "We won't be open during the day today but we may open this evening provided there isn't too much to clear up.

"We hope to be open as normal tomorrow in time for our band night with driftwood."

Initially it was reported that a sewer had burst but Southern Water confirmed that it is fresh water and not sewage.

A statement said: "We were made aware of a burst fresh water main in Ashurst on the A35 by the police at 5:30am.

"Our engineers were immediately dispatched and are currently on site investigating the issue.

"At present a short emergency road closure is in place from the junction of Lyndhurst Rd and New Road, in order to protect the public while we carry out our work as quickly and safely as possible.

"We will provide updates as soon as possible and would like to thank people for their patience while we carry out this vital work."