Explosions could be heard this morning as a massive blaze tore through a cattery barn.

The fire in Church Road, Newtown, near Wickham, has seen firefighters come from across Hampshire race to tackle the blaze.

Residents reported hearing explosions shortly after the blaze started at 10am, with large dark plumes of smoke seen billowing from Greenbarn Cattery and caravan repair site.

No people or animals have been injured, the fire service said.

A spokesperson for the Greenbarn Cattery said: "Many of you may have seen there has been a fire at Greenbarn property.

"All cats are safe and secure and have been evacuated to a safe place. All other animals, people, caravans, and motor homes are ok."

READ MORE: Flames rip through barn as cattery is hit by fire

The road closed by policeThe road closed by police (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

One resident who saw the fire before emergency services arrived told the Echo: "There are several barns down there and they are all just ablaze. Really big flames.

"There were lots of explosions, apparently there were several cylinders inside. Whatever it was inside, it was exploding.

"I think at the peak there were eight fire engines, police, and ambulance here.

"The first barn that caught fire is totally burned out.

"I was told that the water valve on the street didn't work so the fire trucks have been going around the corner to fill up."

READ MORE: Fire breaks out at caravan storage site - live updates

Firefighters working to tackle the blazeFirefighters working to tackle the blaze (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Whilst the emergency services dealt with the blaze the road was blocked by police, with most drivers diverting through North Boarhunt.

On one occasion tensions flared when a member of the public argued with police about being allowed through the cordon, though he left after being threatened with arrest.

Firefighters drained the local water supply to help extinguish the blaze, which left residents without water.

Fire engines regularly left the site before returning having restocked.

A local dairy farmer said: "We have been without water for about two hours now. It is beginning to get desperate.

"Dairy cows need water 24/7 otherwise they don't produce, and the water troughs are empty.

"The barn that caught fire is a cattery as well. I think they have been able to take the cats to another cattery."

Police closed the road, which saw many vehicles forced to divert or turn aroundPolice closed the road, which saw many vehicles forced to divert or turn around (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

It is understood that water trucks will be used to feed water back into the system.

A spokesperson for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said: "We were first alerted at 10.15am with crews from Fareham, Cosham, Droxford and Portchester currently in attendance, supported by vehicles from Southsea, Bordon, Ringwood, Eastleigh and SHQ.

"Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters are using hose reels and jets to tackle the flames.

"No people or animals have been injured in the fire."

Residents have been told to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke, and to avoid the area.