Osborne View pub blaze caused by tumble dryer, fire service says

A pub fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in a tumble drier, the fire service said.

Initial investigations by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) found the machine was to blame for the Osborne View blaze in Fareham.

The building was badly damaged by the fire, which started in the roof at 02:30 GMT on Thursday. All staff were safely evacuated.

HFRS confirmed firefighters had since left the scene.

Hill Head Road remains closed in both directions between Osborne View Road and Old Street.

Ten fire crews tackled the blaze and one crew is set to return to the scene on Friday to conduct a reinspection, and to check for any remaining hotspots.

Matt Kearsey, managing director of pub owners Hall & Woodhouse, confirmed all staff had been evacuated unharmed from the building.

He said the firm would provide "support and reassurance to all those who require it" and thanked fire crews for their "swift action and bravery".

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.