THE emergency services were called to a Southampton high-rise this evening amid fears that one of the flats was on fire.

Police and fire crews converged on the Northam Estate after smoke detectors went off on the 14th floor of Millbank House.

Eight appliances were sent to the 16-storey building - part of the automatic response to reports of a fire in tower block.

The entrance to the estate was coned off while the emergency services dealt with the incident.

But firefighters discovered that the detectors had been triggered by bug bombs, also known as foggers, which are used to kill fleas and other insects by fumigating the property.

Crews gained entry to the flat and quickly established the true nature of the incident.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said one of the bug bombs was near the front door and the other was in the lounge. Someone heard the smoke detectors go off and raised the alarm.

Homes and offices have to be vacated during "fogging" and no-one was in the flat when the devices activated.