FLAMES ripped through a homeless shelter in Southampton earlier this evening.

Fire crews rushed to the Two Saints homeless hub in Cranbury Avenue just before 6pm. 

Five fire engines, an aerial ladder, and two command support vehicles were sent to the blaze.

One resident has spoken of her shock at the unfolding scene.

Louise Lansbury said: "I was driving back from work, and I drove down Cranbury Avenue and it was so full of smoke it was hard to see.

"When I got inside, I heard lots of sirens.

"I didn't think anything of it as it's normal for this area being next to a hospital, but there were five fire engines and four ambulances here."

The fire, which was in a ground floor kitchen area, was extinguished shortly before 6.30pm, Hampshire fire said.

A ventilation fan was used to clear smoke.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook