Readers and residents captured an array of photos last night as a fire quickly ripped through a field at Calshot Marshes.

Reports first came in that a fire had started in a field near the sea at Calshot around 7pm.

Fire crews from Hardley, Hythe, Beaulieu, Eastleigh and Ringwood rushed to the scene, where it was soon confirmed that flames were ripping through an area of gorse and standing crop.

The fire roared on as the sun set, with people in the area being advised to close doors and windows due to smoke.

An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said the field has gone up "like a tinderbox".

They told the Echo that they "aren't surprised" firefighters "scrambled" to the scene.

Louise Davies confirmed that helicopters had arrived on the site at around 8.20pm as crews were assessing the fire and "scoping it out".

READ MORE: Live updates as crews rush to forest fire in Calshot

Louise said as the fire began: "We can see it spreading across the heath land. I can see a few more fire engines but it’s spreading so quickly."

Webcams positioned in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and at Netley Cliff Sailing Club captured the flames, though they started to show fields without flames at around 9.24pm.

Louise said at the same time that she could no longer see the fire but "just a bit of a glow".

Hampshire fire confirmed at 10pm that the fire was out and that an area of 600 metres by 200 metres was affected by the fire.