AN investigation is under way today into the cause of a fire at one of Hampshire’s biggest industrial sites.

The blaze broke out at 3.15pm yesterday in a process unit at Esso’s Fawley refinery.

The refinery deployed its own firefighting team but Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was also called in.

Crews from Hythe, Hardley, Burley and Eastleigh were sent to the scene and other fire stations in the area were put on stand-by.

People living near the refinery said a thick plume of black smoke drifted over the Hardley and Holbury area for about 15 minutes.

Cadland Road from Hardley roundabout was closed and any incoming traffic including delivery lorries were stacked in nearby Hardley Industrial Estate.

The fire was under control by 4.15pm and a refinery spokesman said no one was injured.

He added that the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive had been informed.