AN ARSON task force is investigating a blaze which destroyed a warehouse near Southampton this morning.

The A36 in Calmore was closed following the fire, which broke out in the early hours of this morning.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue crews from Redbridge, St Mary's, Totton, Romsey and Eastleigh were called to the scene in Salisbury Road, and police are now investigating the cause of the fire.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue statement says: "The electricity to the property was isolated due to arcing electrical cables, with crews also aware of gas canisters involved in the fire. 

"Firefighters from Totton, Redbridge, St Mary's, Eastleigh and Romsey extinguished the fire using four main jets and three hose reel jets. 

"The scene was handed over to Police who will be investigating alongside the HFRS Arson Task Force."

The A36 has now reopened.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I came back from my parents at about 6.25am and I saw police there and emergency services.

"The road had been cordoned off. Then a lorry driver told me the shed warehouse was ablaze." 

It is not known if anyone has been injured.

More to follow