A MAN has been arrested after a major fire at a Southampton bookshop.

It comes after more than 30 firefighters rushed to battle a blaze at Waterstones in Above Bar Street on Tuesday.

READ: More than 30 firefighters tackle blaze at Southampton bookshop

READ: Manager speaks of horror after bookshop fire

Now police say a 39-year-old, from Southampton, has been arrested on suspicion on arson.

He was held in police custody but later released under investigation.

As previously reported in the Echo, fire crews rushed to the scene of the blaze at Waterstones on Above Bar Street.

The blaze broke out around 12.23pm, according to Hampshire Fire and Rescue.

Staff and customers were evacuated prior to the arrival of firefighters, who raced to the scene from St Mary's, Redbridge, Hightown, Eastleigh and Fareham.

Support crews also attended.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose jets to get the blaze under control.

Above Bar Street was closed in both directions while firefighters battled the blaze.

The road was reopened shortly before 5pm.