Firefighters have been called to a blaze in Romsey, at a site which was formerly World of Water.

Reports of a fire at the former aquatics centre first surfaced on Friday evening, with plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.

Seven fire crews from Hampshire - including Romsey, Hightown, and St Mary’s – were called to attend the incident, as well as neighbouring teams from Dorset and Wiltshire.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews are tackling a blaze at the old World of Water site on Greatbridge Road in Romsey.

READ MORE: Live - Crews tackle blaze at World of Water

"Multiple fire engines are in attendance from Romsey, Ringwood, Lyndhurst, St Mary's, Eastleigh, Hightown, Fareham, along with crews from Dorset & Wiltshire fire service.

"Six firefighters in breathing apparatus are using jets to extinguish the fire.”

They added: "Local residents are advised to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area."

World of Water closed in January 2020 after trading for 36 years.

In August of that year an application was submitted to Test Valley Borough Council to transform the site into a café and visitors’ centre, which would overlook Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve.