Portsmouth firefighters tackle first-floor flat fire on Fawcett Road

Crews from Southsea, Cosham, Portchester and Havant were called to a first-floor flat fire above a retail unit on Fawcett Road at 21:45 last night.

Smoke and flames were issuing when crews arrived as the fire spread into the roof of the property.

Fortunately no casualties were involved and neighbouring residents were able to evacuate.

Hampshire Constabulary officers were on the scene as well as the electricity company who were able to isolate the power supply externally due to the roof collapsing on the first-floor.

Sixteen sets of breathing apparatus were worn, with hose reels, jets and the aerial ladder used to stop the blaze.

Relief crews from Hightown and Fareham attended during the night as crews dampened down.

The stop message came in at 06:07 before firefighters returned in the morning to check for further hotspots.