TWO people were taken to hospital after a blaze in a Southampton apartment block left residents trapped in their homes, while firefighters fought to clear their smoke-engulfed building.

The fire in a second-floor flat in Millbrook's Wimpson Lane left six others needing treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation and saw up to 30 people temporarily evacuated shortly after 5.30pm yesterday.

Firefighters, who tackled the smoke and fire for 40 minutes, say it was only the early warning from a smoke detector that prevented loss of life.

The owner of the now burnt-out flat where the fire started had been in his bedroom playing computer games when the smoke alarm went off.

The television set, which he had earlier turned off because of an unusual smell coming from it in the lounge, had ignited, setting the room alight and eventually sending smoke billowing throughout the first, second and third floors of the four-storey building.

People in four flats on two separate floors had to stay in their homes while firefighters using breathing apparatus fought to clear the smoke, preventing immediate rescue.

The male flat-owner, who has not been named, was unhurt but clearly shaken and was being comforted by his girlfriend.

His two pet cockatiels were killed in the fire.

Two appliances from Redbridge and one from St Mary's and a special equipment unit attended.

Sub-officer John Ridgeon said: "The smoke detector alerted him in time to get out. Without that his escape route would have been cut off."

He added: "It was amazing that we didn't lose anyone tonight."

The two residents taken to Southampton General Hospital, who have also not been named, were treated for smoke inhalation and later discharged.

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