Body found at scene of serious house fire in Burley, New Forest

Police and fire crews were called out to tackle the blaze at a property in Esdaile Lane, Burley in the early hours of Saturday.

When they arrived, firefighters discovered a body yet to be formally identified.

Multiple crews from Hampshire and Dorset rushed to the scene to put out the flames just before 3.30am.

In just over half an hour, the entire building, comprising of two dwellings, was well alight.

Police at the scene of the house fire in Esdaile Lane, Burley. Picture: Simon Rowley

Firefighters have been at the scene throughout the morning.

Two engines from Hampshire are currently damping down the area.

A structural assessment took place at 9.40am.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze, which is currently unknown, is underway.

Emergency services at the scene. Picture by Simon Rowley.

Police say a scene is expected to remain in place for the next few days while enquiries continue.

Police statement in full

In a statement, a spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "We were called at 3.34am this morning (Saturday, 16 July) by colleagues from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to a report of a fire at a property in Esdaile Lane, Ringwood.

"Upon officer attendance, firefighters confirmed that a body had been found inside the address.

"Formal identification is yet to take place.

"An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. A scene is expected to remain in place for the next few days while these enquiries are carried out."