A body has been found at the scene of a serious house fire in Burley, New Forest

EMERGENCY services responding to a serious house fire in the New Forest have found a body.

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

When they arrived, firefighters found a body that has not yet been officially identified.

Multiple crews from Hampshire and Dorset rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze just before 3.30am.

After a little more than half an hour, the entire building, consisting of two dwellings, was well ablaze.

Police at the scene of the house fire in Esdale Lane, Burley. Photo: Simon Rowley

Firefighters are on the scene throughout the morning.

Two engines from Hampshire are currently dampening the area.

At 9:40 a.m., an assessment of the structure took place.

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

Emergency on site. Photo by Simon Rowley.

Police say the scene is expected to remain open for the next few days as investigations continue.

Full police statement

In a statement, a Hampshire Police spokesman said: “We were called at 3.34am this morning (Saturday, July 16) by colleagues from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Isle of Wight to reports of a fire at a property on Esdaile Lane, Ringwood.

“Upon officers’ arrival, firefighters confirmed a body had been found at the address.

“Official identification is yet to come.

“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. It is expected to remain in place for the next few days while these investigations take place.”