More than 150 cows had to be moved after 500 bales of hay caught fire at a barn in Totton last night.

Firefighters jumped into action after receiving multiple calls reporting the blaze, on Marchwood Road, shortly before 9pm.

In total, eleven units encompassing fire engines, a telehandler, water carriers and support vehicles were called to the blaze, before seven relief crews from as far away as Basingstoke took over throughout the night.

On arrival, they found that more than 500 bales of hay were stored in the affected barns, and 150 cattle housed nearby had to be transported to a safe location.

Three tractors were also caught up in the blaze, which was tackled by firefighters in breathing apparatus using hose reels and jets.

Due to the amount of vehicles in attendance, police closed Marchwood Road in both directions between Jacobs Gutter Lane and Bury Lane while the blaze was extinguished.

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A spokesperson from Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: “Crews from Redbridge, St Mary’s, Totton, Hightown and Romsey were supported by the water carriers from Eastleigh, Ringwood and Fareham, the USAR telehandler vehicle and further support vehicles from SHQ and Beaulieu.

“The road was closed due to the number of emergency services vehicles in attendance.

“Relief crews coming from Fordingbridge, Hythe, Burley, Basingstoke, Cosham, Winchester and Lyndhurst arrived later in the night to take over from the firefighters who were first on scene.

“The incident was scaled down and remaining firefighters conducted a watching brief, allowing the fire to burn itself out safely.

“HIWFRS remains in attendance this morning.”

This is not the first time a barn has been affected by a fire in that area.

In October, residents living near Ower were warned to keep their windows closed after a fire started in a camper van, spreading to a nearby barn containing almost 500 bales of hay.

A nearby pub then set up a fundraiser for the couple affected by the fire.