STAFF AND customers were forced to flee a Hampshire supermarket after a fire broke out in one of the freezers.

Shoppers at the Morrisons store in Spruce Drive, Totton, had to abandon their trolleys and evacuate the building as it began to fill with smoke.

Staff opened the fire exits to help customers leave the supermarket as quickly as possible.

Crews from two Southampton fire stations - St Mary's and Redbridge - rushed to the scene after the blaze broke out at around 3.30pm.

A 51-year-old man with what were described as underlying health problems suffered minor smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Those evacuated from the store, which is about to undergo a major refit, included customers sitting in the ground floor cafe.

Two women grabbed their drinks and finished them outside as they sat watching the firefighting operation from a safe distance.

One of them said: "We saw a lot of smoke down by the freezer aisle but the fire alarm was already ringing by then.

"Staff announced that the store was being evacuated and helped anyone who needed help getting out.

"They also opened the fire exits at the side of the building. We could see people walking between the tills and leaving their stuff behind.

"The evacuation was completed pretty quickly and there was no panic."

One of the customers who took to social media after the fire, Louise Bresnihan, said: "There was a strong smell of burning from the freezers when I was shopping. I reported it to the staff, who were very quick to respond. Luckily I'd finished my shop."

Station manager Dave Graham of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service added: "A small fire in one of the freezers was dealt with initially by Morrisons staff.

"They also carried out an excellent evacuation of the store as well as calling us very promptly. The fire itself caused only minor damage."

Almost all the shoppers got into their cars and drove home, leaving only a handful of vehicles in the huge parking area.

Morrisons staff gathered in a large group at the far end of the car park before being allowed back into the building once the fire was out.

Employees declined to discuss the incident and staff at Morrisons' media office in Bradford were unavailable for comment.