A huge fire at a waste disposal centre near Romsey started after a building was struck twice by lightning.

Fire crews were called to the centre at Yokesford Hill industrial estate around 3.20am following the lightning strike which set fire to the waste waiting to be processed.

A fire service spokesperson said there were 18 different crews attending the incident at its height.

A spokesperson for Ace Liftaway, who confirmed the fire was caused by the storm overnight, said: "Staff and firefighters arrived on the scene very quickly and the combined efforts brought the fire under control and stopped it from spreading."

Daily Echo:

Thanks to the internal design of the building with four metre high concrete walls and a soil bund dividing the waste hall, this meant the fire was contained to one area only.

Staff from the business helped to remove the waste using machinery.

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​Despite initial reports saying 35,000 tonnes of waste was involved, the company have said it is more likely to be under 5,000 tonnes.

No staff or attending firefighters were hurt.

They added: "Ace Liftaway are hugely grateful for the incredible work that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Rapid Response Team did towards the incident and supporting everyone on site.

"Their terrific efforts have enabled the business to be operational as normal on Monday 26th July."

Philip Liddell, managing director of Ace Liftaway said: “We are hugely thankful to all the firefighters and extremely proud of our staff who came out to help.”