Crews still tackling New Forest fire that spread from van on A31

Firefighters have worked through the night after a van caught fire and the flames spread to heathland in the New Forest, creating a smoke plume visible for miles.

The fire broke out on the A31 near Ringwood, Hampshire, shortly after 17:20 BST on Sunday, forcing some motorists to abandon their vehicles .

Twenty-six fire crews alongside water carriers and specialist off-road units were sent to the scene as the flames quickly spread.

National Highways said the dual carriageway remained closed westbound between the M27 at junction 2 for Ower and the A338 at Ringwood and eastbound between the A338 and M27 junction 1 for Cadnam.