Firefighters rushed to a car fire in Lordshill this afternoon after it was engulfed in flames.

The car, on a footpath between Petworth Gardens and Bransbury Close, was completely destroyed in the fire.

The flames took hold just after 3.30pm with fire crews rushing to the scene to extinguish the blaze.

Neighbours watched on as the car burned in the wooded area.

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One resident, who saw the incident unfold, said: "I saw thick black smoke coming up over the tops of houses and was worried it could be someone's home, so I thought I'd go check in case it was and no one was home.

"I got onto the footpath and saw the car fully engulfed in flames right in between the houses and blocks of flats.

"The smoke was going up through the trees and I was worried the flames would spread to the buildings or gardens near by but luckily the police and fire brigade got there very quick as acted fast.

"It is very concerning where it took place as it's a very popular footbath and had it been slightly earlier many children could have been on that path after leaving school and I'm hoping nobody got hurt.

"It's a path where no cars should have access, yet one has managed to drive up onto the path while driving recklessly."

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews from Hightown and St Mary's attended just before 4pm.

A spokesperson said: "The fire destroyed the vehicle and was extinguished by a firefighter in breathing apparatus using a hose reel.

"HIWFRS left the scene following the stop message at 16:13."