SMOKE detectors helped save the lives of a Hampshire family after their home went up in flames in the early hours of this morning.

When fire crews from Fareham and Gosport rushed to the blaze in Brookers Lane Bridgemary, all seven members of the family were waiting outside after escaping safely.

The fire, which started at around 1.45am, took hold when a man inside the semi-detached fell asleep in the lounge while smoking.

But the whole family were woken up when their smoke alarms sounded, giving them plenty of time to get out safely.

When firefighters arrived they found that the severe fire had spread rapidly and that smoke had engulfed the entire property.

Crews spent more than an hour fighting the flames, which was made more difficult because the family had locked the backdoor behind them, creating a potential backdraft when firefighters tried to enter.

Fareham watch manager Simon Whelan said: "Without a doubt the smoke alarms saved the lives of this family. When we arrived there was thick, dense smoke throughout the house, which could have been fatal if they had remained asleep inside.

"But thanks to the alarms sounding, everyone was able to get out safely."