Firecrews tackle haystack blaze

The fire broke out at a farm in Downs Road, Funtington, near Chichester shortly after 6am.

Crews from Emsworth and Havant were called to help West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tackle the blaze.

Initially two fire engines were sent, but the scale of the operation has been ramped up, with three pumps, two water carriers, two off-road 4x4s and the command support unit all at the scene.

A fire service spokesman believed that 20 per cent of the haystack was on fire, and firefighters were currently pulling out part of the haystack to form a gap to prevent the fire spreading.

They said it was unclear when the fire would be put out.