POLICE and firefighters have returned to the scene of a huge fire that gutted a terraced house in Southampton.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after the blaze broke out at Milton Road on Saturday afternoon.

He has since been released with no further action as police are no longer treating the fire as arson.

READ MORE: Milton Road house fire 'no longer arson'

Daily Echo: Fire investigators are working to establish the cause of the blazeFire investigators are working to establish the cause of the blaze (Image: Newsquest.)

Neighbours were evacuated as firefighters from across Southampton fought to bring the flames under control and prevent them spreading to adjoining properties.

Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) are working to pinpoint the cause of the fire, which broke out just after 3pm.

Flames erupted from the front of the house and nearby homes began to fill with smoke.

The scene of the blaze is still sealed off.

This morning fire investigators wearing masks and helmets could be seen examining the charred interior and taking photographs of the damage.

Daily Echo: Police and fire investigators at the scene of the blaze in Milton RoadPolice and fire investigators at the scene of the blaze in Milton Road (Image: Newsquest.)

Milton Road resident Miranda Norris, 27, said she saw flames and a huge amount of black smoke.

She added: "We are all focused on getting the fire service here as quickly as possible because it was getting really bad, really fast.

"It wasn't that long before the fire engines turned up but it seemed to take ages."

A 19-year-old student who lives next door to the house added: "I looked out and saw smoke coming out of the back windows.

"I was told to wait up the street and must have been there for a good two hours.

"The heat from the fire broke one of my windows and the house smells of smoke."

In a statement, HIWFRS said: "Crews from Hightown and St Mary’s were called to a house fire in Milton Road at 3.15pm.

"Four fire engines were on site and the aerial platform from Southsea. Firefighters in breathing apparatus used two jets and two hose reel jets to tackle the fire.

"Residents in neighbouring properties were evacuated. Everyone living in the property has been accounted for and no injuries reported.

"The house suffered significant damage in the blaze and smoke went through to neighbouring houses.

"The fire was out at 4.10pm."