FIREFIGHTERS were called to a Southampton house after a chip pan fire that smoke logged a house today.

Crews went to a block of flats in Cobbett Road, Bitterne, at 4.45am following reports of a fire alarm continuously sounding.

At the scene they found the owner of flat was still inside the smoke filled apartment because he had not responded to the alarm. The fire had gone out and he had to be escorted out after rescuing his cat.

Fellow residents were woken by the alarm but did not have to be evacuated. Firefighters used breathing apparatus to clear the property before the man was allowed back in.

A spokesman for St Mary's station said residents should be reminded of the dangers of staying inside their home. He said: "If the alarm is sounding you should get out and stay out and wait until the fire brigade attend."

Crews were at the scene for one hour dealing with the incident.