THERE have been no casulaties as a result of a fire in a town centre restaurant this afternoon, it has been confirmed.

Emergency services were in May Place dealing with the incident at the Mayflower Chinese Restaurant after being called out just before 3.30pm.

The fire service reported the fire to be in the first floor of the building with firefighters using breathing apparatus, hose reels and a jet to deal with the incident.

South Central Ambulance Service has reported there were no casualties at the scene.

A Gazette reporter on the scene said by around 4.30pm the fire looked to have been put out, while fire engines and ambulances had set up a perimeter at the scene with drivers being turned away from parking in Central Car Park.

The fire service said that as of 4.50pm, firefighters were using ventilation techniques to clear smoke from the location.

The fire service added that all persons had been accounted for.

Crews from the Basingstoke, Overton, Rushmoor and Tadley stations had been dispatched to the incident, but the Overton crew has been stood down as of 4.50pm.

The ambulance service said it dispatched an ambulance crew, a hazardous area response team and two ambulance officers to the scene.

Meanwhile, the fire service added that its investigation team is to be sent to the scene.