AN investigation is underway after the balcony of a flat at a Southampton high-rise caught fire this afternoon.

Firefighters were on the scene within minutes after smoke was seen coming from a fourth-floor flat at Oslo Towers, in International Way, Weston at about 1.25pm.

They quickly brought the fire under control and prevented it from spreading inside the building. There were no people inside the flat.

The cause of the blaze is now under investigation by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary.

Five fire engines from Hightown, St Mary’s and Hamble stations were sent to Oslo Tower, along with a special equipment unit and the aerial ladder platform.

Firefighters offered reassurance to concerned residents of the block.

A spokesman said no evacuation was undertaken as the building is subject to a “stay put” policy, which encourages residents to remain inside their flat if a fire breaks out elsewhere in the block.

Station manager Nigel Cooper said: “The residents remained calm and we were able to work efficiently with our partners from the police and ambulance service to ensure a safe outcome.”