FIREFIGHTERS are currently tackling a fire to the rear of the Hen and Chicken pub, on the A31 between Alton and Bentley.

Photographs shared by Hampshire Fire and Rescue appear to show a barn in the pub garden containing a number of antiques has been destroyed.

Firefighters are currently damping down the scene of the blaze, and fire investigators have arrived, indicating the fire has been extinguished.

No injuries are reported and the pub is unaffected, but nearby residents have been advised to keep windows closed and to avoid using Ryebridge Lane to access the A31.

The A31 itself remains open, as does the neighbouring petrol station, although firefighters have asked drivers not to "rubber neck".

The fire service posted on Twitter at 6.26am on Friday: "Ongoing incident at The Hen and Chicken Inn #RyebridgeLane #Alton please avoid and close your windows if you live nearby."In a subsequent Tweet at 7.42am, Rushmoor Fire Station (@Rushmoor02) added: "Fire investigation in attendance at the incident behind the Hen & Chicken on A31 (pub not effected)."