A fire which has torn a warehouse apart rages on – but what happens next?

Firefighters continue to tackle the large blaze near St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.

The building in Marine Parade was engulfed by flames this afternoon and prompted a huge emergency response.

Paul Reddish, group manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service (HIWFRS) described it as a ‘substantial fire’.

He said: “Eighteen crews and around 100 firefighters from all over the county have been tackling the well-developed fire.

“It has used a lot of the crews’ services.

“Crews have been pumping water from the River Itchen and there is no known cause to the fire yet.

“An investigation has been launched.

“The fire is under control and crews will remain at the scene for the rest of today and tomorrow.”

READ MORE: Dramatic pictures show extent of warehouse collapse after blaze

He also advised residents in the area to stay home and keep windows closed.

The significant incident means there will be a large and prolonged fire presence in the area today.

A HIWFRS spokesperson said: “Over that time, our presence will scale down as the fire is fully extinguished and the smoke plume dissipates.

“Residents in the area affected by the smoke plume are advised to keep doors and windows closed.

“Some roads local to the incident are closed and people are advised to avoid the area to allow movements of emergency vehicles.”