A MAN has died after a blaze in Southampton.

Fire crews were alerted after a woman was woken up by embers falling from her bedroom ceiling at about 3.40am today.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and used three sets of breathing apparatus and three hose reel jets to tackle the blaze.

A "severe" fire was discovered in the first floor flat on Winchester Road and a 61-year-old man was taken to hospital, but has since been pronounced dead.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, added: "With everything that is happening at the minute, especially the fire in London, it seems strange to me that the man (who died) didn't hear the fire alarm; there may not have even been one installed.

"It is a message now to everyone that they need to check their fire alarms are working so this doesn't happen to them, or their family.

"Asides from that, it truly is a tragedy and my thoughts are with his family."

The woman from the ground floor flat was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation by South Central Ambulance Service.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "Every fire is a reminder of the importance of home fire safety and the importance of fitting and maintaining smoke alarms and ensuring your escape routes are clear. "

A spokeswoman from South Central Ambulance Service said they received a call at 3.53am.

"We sent crews down to a fire where persons were reportedly involved," she added.

"An ambulance crew, a hazardous response team and two ambulance officers attended the scene. Two people were treated.

"One gentleman, with life threatening injuries, was taken to Southampton General Hospital.

"Another person was treated for smoke inhalation and also taken to Southampton General Hosptal."

The spokeswoman also confirmed the man passed away due to his injuries.

Police officers are currently at the scene carrying out an investigation.

They have been joined by forensic officers who are also investigating the cause of the blaze.

One passerby, Jake Smith, who lives on Winchester Road, said: "It's so sad to know that somebody has died, especially in that way.

"I hope the other person recovers.

"My thoughts are with his family."