POLICE are now treating a fire that broke out at a former Southampton social club as suspicious.

Officers have confirmed they are now investigating the cause of the fire at the Shirley warren Social Club and believe it may have been started deliberately.

• Shirley Warren Social Club fire - in pictures >>

As previously reported the fire broke out during the early hours of Monday. Police inquiries have revealed short time before this, a nearby resident heard sounds coming from inside the building.

Detective Constable Marie Leather, said: “At this time the exact cause of the fire is unknown but we believe it has been started deliberately. If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area or saw anything you think may be relevant please contact us as soon as possible.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, firefighters from St Mary’s and Redbridge stations rushed to the scene of the large fire at the club Club on Warren Crescent at about 2am.

In total six fire engines and two aerial platforms were called to help extinguish the fire and make the scene safe.

No-one was injured in the incident, which seriously damaged both floors of the building.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said the firefighting effort continued into the morning with aerial appliance and pumps on the scene cooling hotspots.

The social club was used as a regular venue for functions but closed at the beginning of March this year.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Leather at Southampton police station by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.