DOZENS of families have been left homeless after a fire ripped through high-rise block of flats.

More than 40 people had to be evacuated after flames tore through the upper floors of the 16-storey building, leaving a trail of devastation.

Fifty firefighters tackled the blaze at Shirley Towers flats in Church Street, Southampton, early yesterday.

Now 24 families are in temporary accommodation after the 15th floor was completely gutted.

Fleeing residents escaped via fire escapes to the roof or down stairs where they were led to safety by fire teams.

The fire is believed to have started in flat 105. The cause is still under investigation but may have been caused by a chip pan.

One man from the 100-flat complex was taken to Southampton General Hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation but was later released. Nine others were treated at the scene.

Among those counting their blessings was Eamon Rice, 63, whose flat was directly below the one where the fire started.

Having just returned from hospital on Friday with a suspected heart attack, he was drowsy and awoke two hours after the inferno started.

He rushed along his corridor, which was still thick with smoke, and opened the fire exit door only to be drenched by water quenching the flames above.

He said: "I've certainly had a lucky escape. I think a lot of people in the rest of the flats have as well".

His relieved daughter Pasty Millburn 31, from Millbrook, said: "It's certainly been a hectic week - I'm hoping things will quieten down now."

One distressed tenant said: "It was really frightening, the flat was full of black smoke.

"Everyone was running about, I just grabbed the kids who were in their pyjamas and we ran down the stairs.

"Now I've been back to get all my belongings like photos, the kids are safe, I'm just happy to be alive."

Fire chief Andy Bowers said the incident was not being treated as suspicious. He said: "It could have been far far worse. Fire detection through smoke alarms ensured a speedy response to the incident.

"The residents reacted quickly and so did the force. When the first crews arrived, the heat was strong and the fire severe."

Evacuated residents were taken first to the Kings Arms pub and later to Wordsworth Infant School by rescuers.

Southampton City Council's civil emergency plan swung into action at 5am and teams from housing, structural engineering and surveyors were mobilised.

Last night both the 13th and 15th floors were deemed inhabitable. Local ward councillor Eric Pointer said: "It's good that there has been no loss of life or any serious injuries.

"It's not very often that a tower block catches fire but one fire is one fire too many."

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