BOSSES at a scrap metal business are today counting the cost of a huge fire.

Nearly 40 firefighters spent several hours tackling a blaze at a yard near St Mary's stadium in Southampton yesterday.

A thick pall of smoke could be seen for several miles after the blaze erupted shortly after midday at the premises of European Metal Recycling in Princes Street, Northam.

Initially two fire engines and a special equipment unit from St Mary's fire station tackled the incident but within a few minutes, reinforcements were called from Hightown and Redbridge.

Only one business, a Chinese restaurant, in the normally busy industrial area was open and nearby residents were warned to keep their windows and doors closed because of the toxic smoke but no one had to be evacuated.

Police also set up temporary road blocks preventing vehicles driving through the estate.

Two grabbers at the site pulled away the twisted remains of vehicles, washing machines, joists and other scrap to create a fire break and also yanked the burning stack apart to enable the firefighters - who used a hydraulic platform - to get at the seat of the blaze.

Andy Kettle, divisional officer from the fire investigation unit, said it took the 38 firefighters on the scene about an hour to get the incident under control.

He said it was too early to determine the cause but there were no suspicious circumstances. However, it is understood the fire was ignited when a car was being moved and its fuel tank ruptured.

Firefighters remained at the yard until about 9pm damping down embers.

No one from the firm was prepared to comment on the blaze.