FIREFIGHTERS are currently dealing with a fire at Costcutter in High Street, Downton.

The incident was reported to the fire service at about 8.50am. 

Five fire engines from across Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire have been sent to the scene. These include Salisbury, Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Ferndown and an aerial platform from St Marys. 

Local resident Colin O'Keefe said: "I was walking down to the shop and I heard some crackling and looked up and saw a lot of smoke."

He says he heard banging coming from inside the building and fearing someone was trapped inside kicked the doors open with another man.

"I thought somebody might be upstairs sleeping," he added. "All the glass started breaking."

The fire spread to the residential premises above. 

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said that everyone had been accounted for. 

A fire investigation officer has been requested to attend the scene. 

Police are urging drivers to avoid the area as the road is closed between Moot Lane and Church Leat.