FIREFIGHTERS have rushed to a dramatic blaze at a Southampton housing estate.

A crew from Hightown are at the scene of the car fire, in Napier Road, Thornhill.

It is believed the fire started around 6.40am today (October 10).

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue say the incident is believed to be an arson.

Residents say they heard very loud bangs just after 6.30am and saw smoke billowing from the car park between the block of flats at Gilpin Close and Napier Road. 

A resident, who asked not want to be named, said: "I was in bed and I heard three very loud bangs.

"It sounded like gun shots, like and explosion.

"I looked on Facebook and I saw there was a fire.

Daily Echo:

"It was loud but it sounded faraway.

"When I came outside I realised it was here." 

Another resident added: "As the fire brigade were putting it out there was another bang."