HOUSEHOLDS within a 500 metre 'exclusion zone' of the Ocado warehouse fire are being evacuated by emergency services over fears of 'a toxic release or an explosion'.

Test Valley Borough Council has said homes in Bailey Close, Mundy Road, Adams Road, Ox Drove, Strapp Road, Chaplin Way, Errington Road and Walworth Road will be visited by emergency services in regards to leaving the properties.

Those who are able to leave their homes without assistance are advised to do so.

Earlier this evening Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said it would evacuate residents within  a 500-metre 'exclusion zone' and a 1.6km stretch based on wind direction. 

However the body has now issued fresh advice for those outside of the exclusion zone to "stay put unless instructed otherwise".

Harrow Way Community School is the designated rest centre for residents to go.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Andy Bowers at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We have a risk of a toxic release or a large cylinder explosion.

"There is a phased evacuation of Walworth Industrial Estate taking place as a precaution and a rest centre has been set up.

"We are working extremely closely with all of our partners to keep the public safe."

Test Valley Borough Council has advised that "anyone outside the exclusion zone is to stay put and close doors and windows. If you're required to evacuate, you'll be informed by emergency services visiting your property."

People are also being advised to keep their doors and windows shut due to the fumes coming from the blaze.

Harrow Way School said it expects to be open as normal for tomorrow for lessons though an update will be issued at 7am tomorrow (Thursday).

A statement added: "We’d like to offer our support and thanks to the emergency services working so hard tonight, the volunteers and council staff involved, our site manager for co-ordinating the rest centre and anyone else involved in the effort.

"We also send our best wishes to any of our local community affected by this incident and thank everyone that has reached out tonight to offer support."

Ocado has also sent out a message saying sorry to those having to leave their homes tonight.

The online supermarket is also sending vans with food, drink and nappies which will be avaliable at Harrow Way School for those affected. The vans are expected to arrive between 10pm and 10.30pm.

A resident at Picket Piece spoke to the Advertiser earlier this afternoon as they had already been told to leave the estate. 

The resident, who lives near Locksbridge Park, who wished not to be named, said police came to the house and was telling neighbours to leave the area and get within a safe distance, without naming a designated place for them to go.

Meanwhile, other residents of Andover and surrounding areas have been offering help in the form of supplies to those affected.

Elsewhere, as of 9.30pm, Highways England has said the exit slip roads on the A303 for A3093 have been closed in both directions due to the blaze. However, the main carriageway of the A303 remains open.