An investigation will begin today after flames ripped through a home opposite Southampton General Hospital into the early hours of the morning.

More than 30 firefighters were at the scene of the incident in Tremona Road this morning fighting the blaze which engulfed the roof.

Crews from across the county arrived shortly before 10pm to find the roof of the building well alight.

Six fire appliances were sent to the fire near to the cemetery including crews from Redbridge, St Mary's, Hightown, Romsey and Southsea.

Eyewitnesses told how a pet dog was dramatically rescued from the burning building.

They said the dog was carried out by a firefighter and driven off in a nearby car.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman told the Daily Echo that nobody was evacuated and everyone was accounted for.

She confirmed a dog had been rescued.

The firefighters used an aerial ladder to tackle the flames which licked the top of the building and forced the roof itself to cave in.

Onlookers stared in shock as thick smoke billowed into the night sky.

More fire crews arrived into the night and ambulance crews also stood on standby.

Meanwhile police officers closed a section of the road near to the city's busy hospital.

An investigation to establish the cause of the blaze is today underway, a fire spokesman said.

There is severe damage to the building caused by the flames and smoke.