BREAKING NEWS: Major incident declared after blaze in Newbury

UPDATE 6.37pm: Police say the fire has been brought under control, the roads will reopen soon and there have been no injuries.

A major incident has been declared in Newbury after a large fire started this afternoon (Friday).

The blaze in close to Newbury College and the A339.

Royal Berkshire Fire said: “At 3:55pm on Friday, 11 July, we received reports of a fire in the open on Monks Lane in Newbury.

“Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Newbury and Mortimer fire stations have been sent to the scene alongside two Officers and a 4×4 from Crowthorne Fire Station.

“Crews from Oxfordshire and Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire and rescue services have also been sent to the scene.

“Upon arrival, crews discovered a large fire in the open. Firefighters remain at the scene of the incident at this time.”

Crews from the Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service are currently tackling the blaze, poice confirmed.

“We would urge people in the area to keep doors and windows closed and the public to avoid the area,” a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said.

Monks Lane is currently closed between the junction with the A339 at Newbury College and the entrance to Newbury Rugby Club and David Lloyd.

This is the second major fire in Newbury today after an earlier car blaze at Newbury Retail Park.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details are available.

Pictures by Phil Cannings.