Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service launch arson investigation into blaze at a block of flats in Paynes Road, Southampton

Police officers and fire investigators are currently at the scene in Paynes Road, Freemantle, where the fire started in the communal hallway on the top floor of the four storey block.

A mum and her three-year-old son, who were trapped on the top floor due to the fire, were led to safety via the internal stairs by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

Police have this afternoon confirmed the fire is believed to have been started in the stairwell of the property.

Residents have spoken of their shock this morning, after they were woken just before midnight by alarms as smoke started to fill the communal areas of the block, which is opposite Spitfire Antiques.

Unaware what was going on, young families quickly grabbed their most valued possessions and ran to safety outside, where they were met by the police and firefighters.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was shocked when the alarms started sounding and without thinking just grabbed my passport, wallet and laptop before getting out.

“The firefighters were here within minutes and they did a good job to stop the fire from spreading.

“We were all stood waiting outside for almost two hours.”

A total of 24 firefighters from Redbridge, Hightown and St Mary's were able to quickly extinguish the flames, preventing it spreading to any other flats.

Specialist fire dogs were called into action this morning as the top floor was sealed off as forensic investigations were launched.

It is understood that the mother and her son were uninjured and did not need hospital treatment.

A spokesman for Hampshire police said: "Detectives in Southampton are appealing for witnesses following a fire at a block of flats in Southampton last night.

"At 11:51pm, police were called and alerted to the fire at the flats at Paynes Road, Southampton.

"All three services attended.  A 32-year-old woman and her three-year-old son were led to safety by firefighters from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. Both were unharmed.

"The fire is believed to have started in a stairwell.  A full investigation has commenced, and the fire is currently being treated as suspicious."

Anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity at the flats sometime between 11pm and 11:45pm is urged to call Southampton CID on 101.  

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 
 

• Woman and child rescued from block of flats blaze