A MAN arrested on suspicion of arson after a house explosion in Southampton has had the charge against him dropped - but residents are calling for justice to be done.

As previously reported, a 36-year-old man was arrested after a fire broke out at a property in Kendall Avenue, Millbrook on March 11 this year.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 6.45pm after neighbours reported hearing an explosion and saw flames engulfing the house.

Officers and fire crews investigated the incident and the property remained cordoned off the following day.

Hampshire Police have now confirmed that the man who was arrested on suspicion of arson has been released with no further action.

But residents are calling for officers to continue the investigation.

Craig Brookwell, 34, unemployed, lives next to the property involved in the fire and was at home with his family when the blaze broke out.

He said: "We could have died that day. It was a nightmare. I'm disgusted. I don't feel safe."

Mr Brookwell, who lives with his mother, his wife and his nine-year-old daughter, had previously told the Daily Echo that they heard a loud bang and the floor shook.

He tried to put the fire out with buckets of water and ensured his family was safe.

But he is now asking for a further investigation.

"Police told us to move on. They didn't say why they decided to drop the case. I want the case to be re-opened and justice to be done," he added.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: "We conducted a thorough investigation into this incident, and on the basis of the evidence provided to and obtained by police, a decision was made to release the arrested man with no further action.

"If anyone has any further information relating to this incident, or has any concerns about their safety in the local area, we ask them to call police on 101."

As previously reported, a small fire broke out at the property few days before the explosion in March.

Mr Brookwell said the house has been empty since.