FIREFIGHTERS staged a dramatic aerial operation at Southampton Docks this morning when a blaze broke out 40ft above the ground on a straddle carrier.

Crews from Redbridge and St Mary’s fire stations went to Dock Gate 10 on the A33 at 1.30am to find the cab of the container loading vehicle in flames.

They used an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) to raise two firefighters in breathing apparatus in line with the compartment before using hose reels to put out the flames.

An investigation is being launched to determine the cause of the fire which was contained to the vehicle's engine compartment.

St Mary’s station crew manager Gary Holmes said: “It was a very unusual situation because it was very hard to access at that height.

“Only two personnel can fit in the ALP cage while carrying water so it took longer to put out than normal.”