A mystery shopper has been hailed a hero after dashing into a blazing Southampton chippie to fight the flames.

He was waiting to have his hair cut at Smart Barbers in Shirley High Street when he saw smoke billowing out of Kings Fish Bar.

Staff at the salon said he grabbed a fire extinguisher from a nearby pizza shop and bravely ran into the chippie.

According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) the blaze was almost out when crews arrived.

But the shopper began to feel unwell and was taken to University Hospital Southampton. He is thought to have been suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

Daily Echo: A man was taken to hospital after dashing into the smoke-filled chippie to fight the fireA man was taken to hospital after dashing into the smoke-filled chippie to fight the fire (Image: Newsquest.)

Daily Echo: Fire crews outside Kings Fish Bar in Shirley High StreetFire crews outside Kings Fish Bar in Shirley High Street (Image: Newsquest)

The blaze broke out at 11.55am on Saturday, shortly before Kings Fish Bar was due to open.

Crews from all three of Southampton's fire stations - Hightown, Redbridge and St Mary's - dashed to the scene as smoke billowed out of the building and drifted along the road.

READ MORE: Shirley fish and chips shop cordoned off after fire breaks out

One lane of the High Street was blocked by emergency service vehicles, resulting in long delays in both directions.

Kings Fish Bar was cordoned off along with two neighbouring properties - a Chinese takeaway called Super Chef and part of the Harrap Domestic Appliance Centre.

Daily Echo: Zana MoHimmedi of nearby Smart BarbersZana MoHimmedi of nearby Smart Barbers (Image: Newsquest.)

Zana Mohimmedi, owner of Smart Barbers, said: "There was smoke everywhere.

"One of our customers was waiting to have his hair cut when he realised what was happening.

"He ran across the road to Domino's, grabbed a fire extinguisher, and tried to fight the fire. He was a hero."

The man returned to Smart Barbers after emerging from the chippie and was looked after by staff.

Daily Echo: Firefighters and paramedics at the scene of the incidentFirefighters and paramedics at the scene of the incident (Image: Newsquest.)

Paramedics arrived as firefighters started packing away their equipment. The casualty was placed on an NHS trolley and wheeled to the ambulance with an oxygen mask on his face.

A HIWFRS spokesperson said the fire involved a range and a flue.

She was unable to provide any information about the cause of the blaze, the extent of the damage, and whether anyone was injured.

  • Do you know the man who ran into the chippie? Email newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk