AN INVESTIGATION is underway after firefighters spent six hours battling flames in a woodland area in Hursley.

Firefighters from Eastleigh Fire Station were sent to Merdon Castle Laney where two to three acres of woodland were on fire.

A passerby reported the fire and crews were there from 7.30pm on Saturday until about just before 1am on Sunday working to put out the fire.

Watch manager Rex Leeman said: β€œIt started burning down in the ground. We had to make sure it was all out. We had a contractor turn out to prevent the fire from going to other areas.”