Firefighters are tackling a major blaze close to St Peter’s Church in the Hampshire village of East Tytherley this evening. 
Crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have been deployed to the incident, with a significant fire reported at the rear of the church. 
The full scale of the blaze and exactly what is involved have not yet been officially confirmed. The incident is close to St Peter’s Church, East Tytherley, an historic Church of England building in the rural village near Romsey. 
St Peter’s is an important historic landmark, with parts of the building dating from the 13th century. The church has a late 13th-century font and eight bells in its tower. Emergency crews are understood to be working to bring the blaze under control. 
There has been no confirmation at this stage of any injuries or whether the church building itself has been damaged. 
Residents are advised to avoid the immediate area while firefighters carry out their work and allow access for emergency vehicles. 
This is a developing incident and further information will be provided when it becomes available.
Originally published by UKNIP.
