AN investigation has been launched into the death of a grandfather after a major house fire in Hampshire.

Police confirmed a man in his 60s was found dead at The Drove, Calmore, near Totton, after six fire crews arrived to tackle the blaze.

The fire is now out and officers have moved in to investigate the scene.

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Fire investigators are also present to determine whether the blaze was suspicious.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Barton said: “We have begun an investigation into the cause of the fire. We’d like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area between 7 and 8am today.

“Officers are carrying out house-to house enquiries in the area. We’d also like to thank local residents for their patience this morning whilst the fire was being dealt with.”

Police are currently not releasing any more details on the man’s identity.

Calmore Road has been closed by police and three ambulances are also on site.

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed they treated seven people but they have not revealed what the injuries were.

But police confirmed one woman was taken to Southampton General Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and shock.

Crews from Totton, Redbridge, Romsey, Hightown, Eastleigh and Hythe were all called out to deal with the fire.

The plume of smoke from the fire can be seen over the M27 westbound this morning.

Bev Lynch, a resident in nearby Kathryn Close, said: "I heard the sirens at about 8am and looked out of the window and saw the smoke and fire engines.

"I thought it must have been a house fire.

"It's just a shame for things like this to happen."

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Neighbour Jean Wilkinson, 56, added: “I saw the flames go up when I was in my conservatory.

“It’s a bit of a shock to the neighbourhood, not a lot happens round here.

“The fire service were rushing around everywhere, they were brilliant.”

A resident of Loperwood Road, said: "The flames were going up higher than the trees. It is worrying.

"We just heard the sirens. We were looking out the window and this big black smog was going all over the road. It's scary.

"The kids found it exciting but when we saw the stretchers we went indoors."

Andy Workman, 70, retired, who lives nearby in Totton was walking past the scene.

He said: "I heard a lot of sirens at around 8am. I just thought perhaps there had been an accident on the motorway. I didn't expect it around here. It's usually very quiet."

Hampshire Constabulary has advised residents in the area to keep their doors and windows shut due to the smoke drifting around the area.