A suspected arsonist has been arrested after a huge fire ripped through a terraced house on Saturday afternoon.
The 31-year-old from Southampton has been held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody.
It comes after flames were seen tearing through a property in Milton Road, sending thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky.
Residents were evacuated as firefighters tackled the blaze which broke out just after 3pm.
The area was cordoned off as police and paramedics rushed to the scene.
A university student who lives next door said: “I was just sleeping in my room when I started smelling burning. When I looked out of my window I saw flames and thick black smoke coming from the other house’s window. I quickly ran outside to check what happened.”
Another woman added: “I was just driving past when I saw a woman screaming for help. And that’s when I saw the flames. Very soon all the residents came out of their houses.”
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said the fire is being treated as suspicious, however, no injuries have been reported.
The flames were out by 4.30pm.
Police statement in full
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "We were called at 3.30pm on 29 July to reports of a fire at an address on Milton Road, Southampton.
"Officers attended to assist Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service with a road closure.
"At this stage, the fire is being treated as suspicious and a 31-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time.
"No injuries have been reported at this time."
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