A SMOKE detector that alerted residents to a blaze at a block of flats in Fair Oak early today was being hailed as a possible lifesaver.

The detector roused residents after fire broke out in an electrical cupboard in a communal stairwell on the first floor of flats in Anfield Court, Anfield Road, at about 5am.

Eastleigh firefighters said not only had residents been alerted to the danger but they were also able to raise the alarm quickly.

"It was a huge factor in the speed we were able to respond at and if there had not been a smoke detector correctly fitted above the electrical cupboard there was the potential for it to be far more serious," said a fire and rescue service spokesman.

Two fire engines went to the scene and nine Eastleigh firefighters tackled the blaze, which was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

Smoke and fire damage was mainly confined to the cupboard - but it left one flat dweller without electricity and also knocked out communal lighting and a security door system.

Retired clergyman the Rev Dawson Price said he put on a dressing gown and went to investigate after his wife Norah heard the alarm.

"The alarm did a good job. The fire brigade was here in less than ten minutes and as soon as they were here they told everyone to stay in their flats. They were super."

Mr Price said one elderly resident was having difficulty trying to get out of his flat but a ladder was placed up to his window and he was told to stay put.

The alarm was also heard by resident Barry Glossop, who said: "I came out and smoke was issuing from the top of the cupboard. I called the fire brigade straight away. Another five minutes or so and it could have been quite bad."