A LARGE detached house in a Hampshire village has been badly damaged by fire.

The blaze broke out in the roof of the property in Danes Road, Awbridge, leaving nothing but charred timbers.

Other parts of the property are also understood to have suffered extensive damage.

But neighbours said a family who were inside the house when the blaze broke out managed to escape unhurt.

One man said: "The fire started in the loft and took hold quite quickly."

Another neighbour added: "My brother came in and asked me if I was following the drama. I thought he meant Dominic Cummings but I went outside and the whole place was sealed off."

Fire crews from across Hampshire were called to the blaze, which broke out late this afternoon.

Part of Danes Road was closed in both directions and motorists were urged to avoid the area as the emergency services converged on the scene.

A fire service with an aerial ladder platform was parked in a neighbouring garden, enabling firefighters to tackle the blaze from above.

South Central Ambulance Service sent at least two ambulances, plus two incident response vehicles.

Romsey firefighters were joined by colleagues from other fire stations, including Eastleigh, Redbridge and Totton.

Concerned neighbours watched from the end of their driveways as crews tackled the blaze.