Fleet M3 service station fire engulfs restaurant building Published duration 15 December 2016

image copyright Firesnapper999 image caption The building at the motorway services has been left a "shell" after the fire

A large fire broke out at a motorway service station, causing part of the carriageway to close

The blaze erupted in a restaurant at Fleet services on the M3 at 22:30 GMT on Wednesday, leading police to temporarily close the southbound lanes.

Firefighters from Surrey were also called and crews stopped the blaze spreading to other buildings.

The fire was brought under control in the early hours. No-one was injured.

Crews have remained at the scene to dampen down and prevent any re-ignition.

The service station on the southbound carriageway and the slip road leading to it on the M3 remain closed.

The footbridge which runs over Fleet services on the M3, named after BBC Radio 1's Scott Mills , is also closed due to smoke logging.

Fleet Fire Station tweeted: "‏@scott_mills don't worry, your bridge is safe."

The presenter replied: "Really relieved no one was hurt. Massive thanks to the brilliant fire service."

HFRS group commander Brian Rudman said firefighters were confronted with a "severe fire which was escalating quickly".

He said: "The fire was very intense and spread to other parts of the service area but thanks to the hard work of the crews we've managed to save sections and some will be able to re-open."

image copyright Hampshire Fire and Rescue image caption The fire started in a restaurant at the service station

image copyright HFRS image caption There were no injuries reported and the blaze was brought under control in the early hours

image copyright Hampshire Fire and Rescue image caption Firefighters from Hampshire and Surrey brought the blaze under control

image copyright HFRS image caption Smoke billowing from the fire at the service station restaurant closed the motorway temporarily

image copyright Google image caption The footbridge at Fleet Services, named after Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, has escaped damage

The service said an investigation into the cause of the fire was underway.

Welcome Break's Rod McKie said the rear of building had been destroyed.

He said the company hoped to re-open the fuel forecourt and temporary retail facilities would be on site by the end of Friday. Fleet North remains fully open

"We are extremely grateful to the firefighters who tackled the blaze and will assist with their investigations.

"Most important is that no-one was hurt and obviously now we'll assess the damage and work out how quick we can get Fleet Services back up and running."

The services between junctions 4a and five were opened in 1973 and include a food court, petrol station and hotel.

image copyright Firesnapper999 image caption Fire crews remain at the services damping down after the blaze

image copyright Google image caption Fleet services was opened in 1973