A WOMAN appeared in court today charged with arson after a blaze in a Southampton flat which forced the whole block to evacuate.

Trina Winsor, 44, of Redbridge Hill, who is accused of committing arson with intent, took to the dock at Southampton Magistrates Court just 36 hours after the fire.

The drama unfolded late on Tuesday evening when flames engulfed the flat in Redbridge Hill but thanks to the work of more than 50 firefighters, the blaze was contained.

Winsor will appear at Southampton Crown Court next month.