AN investigation is underway into the cause of a fire that “destroyed” a derelict building in Longham.

Firefighters were called to the site off Christchurch Road – formerly part of Dudsbury Golf Club – at around 6pm on Friday evening (June 20).

At the height of the blaze, around 40 firefighters were battling the flames, with neighbours warned to keep doors and windows shut due to “lots of smoke”.

By around 9pm, fire crews had the blaze under control, but remained on the scene until the following morning “dealing with hotspots”.

The road was closed as crews fought the fire, and re-opened later in the evening.

“The fire was extinguished using three main jets, a ground monitor, the aerial ladder platform and 10 breathing apparatus wearers,” a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

They added: “The building has been destroyed by fire.”

At around 4.30pm on Saturday, the fire service confirmed the site had been “handed back to the owner and we have left the scene”.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire will continue in the coming days,” they added.