Southampton house 'engulfed' by fire: What we know so far

Fire crews were called to the scene of the blaze involving a semi-detached house on Richmond Road in Freemantle at 2.51pm yesterday.

In the aftermath of the fire, a woman was also seen being put in handcuffs by police.

READ MORE: Drone footage shows fire rip through Southampton house

One neighbour described hearing ‘explosions’ as a plume of smoke was seen coming from inside the property with flames springing out of the windows.

Fire engines from St Mary’s, Basingstoke, Southsea, as well as Hightown, including an aerial ladder platform, rushed to the scene to get the fire under control while bystanders watched in shock.

Flames coming from house (Image: UGC)

The road was closed between Trafalgar Road and Foundry Lane.

Laura Corkindale, who lives nearby, described the moment she heard an 'explosion' at the house.

She said: "At about 2.45pm I could smell smoke, then heard a house explosion of glass breaking. I could see smoke coming into my garden.

"Then I saw a lady from a house next door to the fire run out into the garden. I shouted to her 'I'll phone the fire brigade', but she couldn't hear me.

"It was very noisy, and more glass was breaking.

"The flames were coming out of the window at the back."

The fire service at the scene of the fire (Image: Jose Ramos, Newsquest)

Richmond Road resident Theresa Kimber, 81, was home when she heard noises coming from outside.

The neighbour, who has lived in Southampton for around 60 years, said: "Just I started hearing a noise and saw the engines arriving.

"I spoke to one of the [firefighters] and they said they would deal with it.

"I realised that they had it all under control.”

Drone footage shows a fire rip through a house in Freemantle (Image: Samuel Johnson)

Lisa Hicks, station manager based in Eastleigh, said on arrival firefighters were faced with a fully developed fire with flames coming out of a rear bedroom window.

She told the Echo: “Crews worked hard with difficult access to the premises and significant fire damage.

“Crews worked really hard to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring semi-detached property. We have used a fan to ensure smoke damage is minimised and due to their work they have prevented the spread.”

She confirmed an investigation was launched and that the service would work alongside police to establish the cause of the blaze. She added no injuries were reported.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has been contacted for more information about their involvement in the fire and the woman's arrest.