A FIRE engine called to a fire alert that saw customers evacuated from three businesses was delayed by a motorist on their mobile phone.

The engine was one of three called to The Hundred after a report of smoke in My Dentist which also caused Aldi and the Naomi House shop to be evacuated.

However it was delayed by a motorist in a Land Rover on their phone in the middle of the road.

Romsey Town Council tweeted: "Today @Romsey33 attended a call to The Hundred, the 2nd fire engine was delayed due to Landrover driver in middle of Rd on the phone.

"When the big red vehicles have blue lights on they are on a call - when safe to do so pull over saving lives & property is the priority."

Customers and staff in the Aldi store in Romsey were told to leave after Hampshire Fire and Rescue were called this morning.

Two neighbouring businesses, a Naomi House shop and My Dentist, were also been evacuated.

Three fire engines were called to the supermarket in The Hundred but found no evidence of a fire.

They were originally called by someone who reported the smell of smoke coming from My Dentist.

Customers have now been allowed to go back into the shops.

The incident also brought the town centre to a standstill, causing traffic delays on surrounding roads.