RESIDENTS had to be evacuated as firefighters tackled a blaze at a Hampshire care home this morning which is being treated as suspicious.

Two people needed medical treatment after the fire broke out in a rear first floor bedroom of the Ocknell Park care home in Plain Road, Stoney Cross at around 9.15am.

Fire crews from Redbridge, Totton and Lyndhurst were called out and used four breathing apparatus, three jets and a fan to clear smoke, while two police cars and an ambulance were at the scene.

A 25-year-old male member of staff and a 44-year-old man living at the home were treated for smoke inhalation but were not taken to hospital and everyone is accounted for.

The extent of the damage is unknown.

A fire investigation team has been called and an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing though at this stage it is being treated as suspicious.

Incident commander Steve Buchanan-Lee said: “Everyone’s absolutely fine.

“Thanks to the management and staff at the premises all fire safety management procedures were fully in place and the fire was quickly contained and extinguished whilst ensuring safety of all residents.”

A spokeswoman for Choice Care Group, which runs the home, said: “Choice Care Group is aware of an incident at one of our residential services in Hampshire this morning that resulted in a small fire in one of the bedrooms.

“To ensure the safety of everyone at the service, we immediately activated our fire safety procedures and safely evacuated all service users and staff until the area was made safe and the property checked by the fire brigade.

“The fire alarms at the service and our fire safety procedures worked effectively to manage the situation and ensure the wellbeing of all involved.

“We are proud to say that the staff and service users have done an excellent job in a difficult situation.”