FIRE engines responded in force this afternoon to reports near Wyke Down Country Pub.

Firefighters from Andover, Sutton Scotney, and Whitchurch were called to a barn fire near the popular pub on Walworth Road in Picket Piece.

The road was closed briefly as firefighters attended the scene, with cars reported as “turning around” on social media.

However, HIWFRS confirmed to the Advertiser that initial reports had been in error, with only a small rubbish blaze taking place.

A spokesperson said: “We attended a fire at Wyke Down Country Pub earlier this afternoon. It was just a refuse fire.

"We initially sent quite a lot of pumps as we thought it was a barn fire, but they were then sent back once the scale of the fire was confirmed."

The team added: "Smoke was issuing on arrival and there were reports of cylinders and vehicles being involved in the blaze.

"The fire involving loose refuse, was surrounded and extinguished using two breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet."

AA reported delays on the road following its reopening, but it is now clearing.

Firefighters left the scene following the stop message at 3.39pm.