Southampton 7Bone fire: What we know so far four weeks on

The popular burger restaurant in Portswood Road has been completely destroyed by the flames and is now temporarily closed.

The blaze broke out on a Friday night when staff and customers were inside the building.

Below is what we know so far on the blaze four weeks on.

What remains of Southampton's 7Bone

What happened

Thick black smoke billowed into the sky after a fire broke out at around 7.30pm on Friday July 8.

Around 75 firefighters tackled the blaze as shocked residents spilled onto the street to watch the flames rip through the building.

Bruce Walton, manager of The Gordon Arms, which sits opposite, said the restaurant was "just starting to get busy" when everything turned into "chaos".

No-one was injured in the fire but the building was completely gutted and the roof collapsed.

Crews remained at the scene through the night and the following morning to put out any hotspots.

Portswood Road was closed at its junctions with Alma Road and near Brookvale Road while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The cause of the fire

The devastating blaze is thought to have started in the roof of 7Bone.

However, what caused it is still unknown and fire investigators have not yet returned to the building.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service says the cause is not believed to be suspicious.

Firefighters at the scene of the blaze

Was anything else damaged?

The former Richmond Inn next door suffered some damage as did the Swiss Cottage, a Grade II listed building adjoining 7Bone.

The two-storey building, which dates back to the 19th century, was converted to student accommodation in 1968 and was listed in 1981.

Photos show the damage to its roof.

Will 7Bone reopen?

As it stands, the burger chain's plans remain unclear.

7Bone has been contacted for more information on the future of its Southampton restaurant.

Read more: 7Bone fire - Recap as firefighters tackle blaze 

Read more: Shock as fire destroys popular burger bar

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 take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

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