A HAMPSHIRE pub has been badly damaged after nearly 20 firefighters were forced to battle a late-night blaze.

The fire broke out at the John O’Gaunt Inn in Horsebridge, near King’s Somborne, at about 9.30pm last night and fire crews fought the flames for four hours before it was extinguished.

An investigation has begun this morning to pinpoint the cause of the fire.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokeswoman told the Daily Echo that the lower floor of the building was 75 per cent fire damaged and 100 per cent damaged by smoke, while there was also damage on the upper floor.

The spokeswoman said: “The fire spread to the roof as well and we used two high-pressure hose reels, two jets, and 18 sets of breathing apparatus to put it out.”

A visibly upset landlady, Laura Davis, said she did not want to comment at this time.

This morning, along with several others, she ventured inside the pub to check the damage.

Smashed glass and rubble, including water bottles, could be seen in a pile beneath the blackened right-hand window and the gutter had melted on one side.

Police officers at the scene said firefighters were called back to the pub at around 4am after the roof reignited. They continued to watch the site until around 8.30am this morning, when police took over.

Ms Davis is due to meet with fire investigation officers this morning.