A fire has ripped through a derelict building on a busy high street.

Firefighters are currently tackling the blaze on Shirley High Street.

The road has been closed while the incident is dealt with.

A spokesperson from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service said: "Crews from St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hightown, Totton and Eastleigh were first alerted at 4.46pm.

"Firefighters in breathing apparatus are using jets to tackle the flames.

"Please avoid the area due to the number of emergency services vehicles on the scene."

Anna and Philip Parkinson were inside Santo Lounge when a man rushed in and told them that the building next door was on fire. 

Speaking at the scene, Anna said: "We were just enjoying a few drinks and suddenly somebody burst in off the street and said 'Have you guys not seen the smoke coming from the building next door?'"

She described seeing the smoke get "larger and larger" and windows eventually "burst and shatter".

Phillip said: "It was my understanding that the building used to be a bank.

"We certainly didn’t expect all this when we sat down for a drink."