MORE than 30 firefighters were called to a blaze in a block of flats last night.

The block of 12 flats was severely damaged in the fire that broke out in Cobbett Road, Bitterne Manor, at about 11.17pm and lasted nearly three hours.

The new building Itchen View suffered severe structural and smoke damage and the Daily Echo understands that the cost of repairs may be tens of thousands of pounds.

It was under construction and unoccupied so nobody was injured.

Police kept the site secure over night and fire investigation officers are currently examining the evidence.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "The place was absolutely gutted. It is too early to say whether we are going to treat this fire as suspicious but we can't rule it out."

Four fire crews from St Marys and Hightown attended with two jets, two hosereels and 12 breathing apparatus.

It is thought the fire started in the rear of the basement.