AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a fire in a derelict Southampton building.

Firefighters from St Mary's station rushed to the scene of the blaze at the one-storey building on Imperial Road with a hose reel and specialist breathing equipment.

The building was made of wood and metal and about 20 per cent of it was damaged in the fire, which broke out at about 4.45am on Friday.

The cause of the blaze is currently unknown and anyone with information is asked to call Hampshire Constabulary on 101.