SCORES of tyres were destroyed in a fierce blaze which threatened to spread to nearby homes at Eastleigh late last night.

Twenty feet high flames could be seen for miles around as the fire ripped through a pile of truck and car tyres which were outside the Barry Shaddick Tyres, off Brookwood Avenue, near the town's cemetery.

A police investigation has been launched to establish the cause of the fire. But a spokesman said at this stage it was not known whether the fire was deliberate.

The side of the tyre depot building was also damaged by fire which also engulfed the fences of nearby homes. About 20 Eastleigh firefighters, wearing breathing sets, prevented it spreading further.