A Southampton man was rescued from his first floor flat yesterday after his sofa caught fire.

Two fire crews from Redbridge and one from St Mary's were called to the flat in Orchard Lane, in the city centre, at 3.50pm, after receiving numerous calls about the blaze.

The man was taken to Southampton General Hospital suffering from breathing problems, while two others complaining of smoke inhalation were treated at the scene by South Central Ambulance Service, who sent three ambulances and their hazardous response team to the block of flats.

Firefighters had the fire, which happened in the living room of the flat, under control within the hour.