FIREFIGHTERS tackled a Southampton house fire for five hours after it spread to two floors of the property.

Crews rushed to the scene of the blaze in Winchester Road on Friday evening.

The charred interior of the home was visible from the street, with a neighbour recalling "smoke billowing" from the upstairs windows.

Daily Echo:

The road was closed by police while their emergency service colleagues tackled the fire.

The fire service said the incident involved a fuse box underneath the stairs in the property.

Daily Echo: Police at the scene this morningPolice at the scene this morning

Resident Alan Donovan told the Daily Echo: "We saw the smoke around 6.30pm last night and called the fire brigade. The smoke was really billowing.

"There was smoke coming out the bedroom windows and there was an ambulance at the top of the road.

"Our friend some streets away saw the smoke too and called us to make sure we were okay. The police have been here all night."

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Control spokesperson said they were called to the scene at 6.25pm on January 22.

Daily Echo: The fire in Winchester Road on Friday evening. Picture: Emily SmithThe fire in Winchester Road on Friday evening. Picture: Emily Smith

Crews from Redbridge and St Mary's used eight breathing apparatus, one main jet, two hose reel jets and ventilation equipment.

The spokesperson said there was no mention on their logs of anyone needing to be rescued.

The incident was handed over to police, with the fire service stop message at 11.29pm.

Daily Echo: Winchester Road was closed due to the house fire. Picture: Emily SmithWinchester Road was closed due to the house fire. Picture: Emily Smith

As reported, Hampshire Constabulary closed Winchester Road  between between Romsey Road and Warren Avenue, with motorists told to avoid the area if property.