SOME 20 residents were evacuated this morning when fire broke out in a Southampton block of flats.

Firefighters were called to Golden Grove in St Mary's at 6.15am when residents smelled smoke coming from an empty property.

The cause of the blaze, which severely damaged the flat, is unknown and is being investigated.

David Foot, 35, who was evacuated, said: "I woke up and could smell smoke so I woke up the wife and said get the kids. We were getting some clothes on and there was a loud bang at the door from a neighbour who said the fire brigade wanted everyone out.

"We were allowed back in about an hour later."

Firefighters in five appliances from St Mary's and Hightown stations spent an hour at the scene.

A fire service spokesman said: "The fire damaged the flat quite severely. We are still trying to trace the owners who were not in the flat at the time."