A GAS pipeline has burst near a Hampshire town, forcing the evacuation of homes and businesses.

The leak, which sent a 30-foot plume of natural gas into the air, happened in a field next to Wynford Industrial Park in Timsbury, outside Romsey.

Witnesses described a loud sound "like distant thunder" and an "all-pervading" smell.

SGN, which manages the gas supply to the area, are trying to resolve the issue with the help of police and fire crews.

READ MORE: Romsey roads closed after reports of gas leak

There is a 450-metre exclusion zone around the ruptured pipe and Cllr Nick Adams-King of Hampshire County Council and the local councillor, says "a small number of homes" have been evacuated.

Eileen Trayhorn, of Bunny Lane, lives close to the leak across a field: "It sounds like you are standing on top of a steam engine or a jet plane taking off."

Police have assured the public that they are not in danger and that the evacuations are a precaution.

Fire services have advised those living in the area to close windows and doors, and to stay inside.

SGN have issued the following statement: "We are aware of an incident involving one of our high pressure pipelines in the Romsey area of Hampshire.

"Our specialist engineering team is at the scene and currently exploring all options to ensure a safe and quick repair.

SEE MORE: Romsey fire: Crews tackle blaze at World of Water

"Emergency services are supporting our team and have closed Yokesford Hill, Bunny Lane, Belbins and Sandy Lane as a precaution.

"We can confirm there has been no loss of gas supplies to homes or businesses."

As well as the Wynford Industrial Park, the Casbrook Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) has been evacuated.

Mike Bishop was among the first to notice the leak and was with fire crews when they arrived on the scene.

He told the Chronicle that fire services said the pipe was a mainline supplying much of Southern England, and that the rupture could take up to two days to fix.

Another bystander, Micheal Stubbs, who was one kilometre away from the leak, said: "It's incredible if they can't isolate sections of the pipe."

He added: "As well as the most noticeable rushing noise, there is a powerful vibratory resonance accompanying it, like distant thunder."