A SOUTHAMPTON man has died in hospital following a fire in a block of flats.

Christian Zanelli was dragged from the blaze in Tatwin Crescent, Thornhill, last week by firefighters.

He was not breathing but firefighters managed to resuscitate him. However, the 28-year-old never regained consciousness and died in Southampton General Hospital on Saturday morning.

Police say that Mr Zanelli was originally from the west country but had lived in Southampton for several years.

A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday. Today, detectives stepped up their investigation into how the blaze started, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Three children and an adult were rescued by fire crews when flames broke out in a first-floor flat. Two girls aged between eight and 12 and a baby girl were rescued from a bedroom.

Six occupants, including a pregnant woman, were taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and breathing difficulties.

There were reportedly no smoke alarms in the flat where the fire broke out, but residents were alerted by an alarm in another home.

Police are urging anyone with information about the fire to contact them.

A spokesman said: "Detectives and fire officers are still investigating the cause of the fire."

Call Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545 if you think you can help.