FOUR men had a lucky escape when fire broke out in at a Southampton home early this morning.

Fire crews from Redbridge, St Mary's and Eastleigh were called to the blaze, which severely damaged the roof and first floor of the two-storey semi-detached house in Seymour Road, Upper Shirley.

The men, aged in their 20s and 30s, are believed to have been squatting at the house for about a week. They were uninjured.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I heard the tiles falling and loud noises. I came out to see smoke everywhere. The house has been abandoned for so long that I think everyone has just been waiting for something like this to happen."

The Seymour Road house is believed to have been empty for about six-and-a-half years.

A couple living nearby said there had been several break-ins and criminal damage to the property in that time.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said she and her husband were woken by shouting.

"We thought they were having a fight but then we heard them yelling to get out.

"Since we've been here there's been people breaking in, smashing windows, trying to set the house on fire, and stealing things."

Her husband added: "The possibility of something like this happening has always concerned us."

Seymour Road was closed for three hours after the fire broke out at about 2am.

The fire is believed to have started in the chimney.