EMERGENCY services attending a serious house fire in the New Forest have found a body.
Police and fire crews were called out to tackle the blaze at a property in Esdaile Lane, Burley in the early hours of Saturday.
When they arrived, firefighters discovered a body yet to be formally identified.
Multiple crews from Hampshire and Dorset rushed to the scene to put out the flames just before 3.30am.
In just over half an hour, the entire building, comprising of two dwellings, was well alight.
Firefighters have been at the scene throughout the morning.
Two engines from Hampshire are currently damping down the area.
A structural assessment took place at 9.40am.
An investigation into the cause of the blaze, which is currently unknown, is underway.
Police say a scene is expected to remain in place for the next few days while enquiries continue.
Police statement in full
In a statement, a spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "We were called at 3.34am this morning (Saturday, 16 July) by colleagues from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to a report of a fire at a property in Esdaile Lane, Ringwood.
"Upon officer attendance, firefighters confirmed that a body had been found inside the address.
"Formal identification is yet to take place.
"An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. A scene is expected to remain in place for the next few days while these enquiries are carried out."
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here