FIRE crews are currently on scene battling a blaze in the centre of Southampton.

Stores have been evacuated after a kitchen fire on the High Street that began at 8.40am.

Four fire engines are at the scene from St Mary’s and Redbridge.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: “We were called at 8.41am to a kitchen fire on the High Street.

“Two sets of breathing apparatus are being used and one hose reel.”