A SOUTHAMPTON city centre road has been shut by emergency services after a fire broke out.

West Park Road is currently closed in both directions between Havelock Road and Southampton Central station following the incident, which happened at about 10.45am.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue said the fire broke out in a student flat in Mayflower Halls at 10.37am.

A statement said: "Crews from St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hightown, Eastleigh, Romsey and Beaulieu were quickly on the scene to tackle the small fire within the 16th floor kitchen, and evacuate residents from the premises as per the building’s policy.

"HIWFRS used four sets of breathing apparatus and two jets to extinguish the fire which involved oven gloves left on top of the cooker, before using ventilation fans to clear smoke.

"The stop message came in at 11:20 with crews now returning to their stations."

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: "We were called at 10.42am to a report of a fire at an address on West Park Road.

"No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

"Officers are at the scene to assist with road closures. Kingsbridge Lane and West Park Road are currently closed.

"We would ask road users to please avoid the area and plan alternative routes while the incident is dealt with."

 

Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

A traffic map by travel information service Romanse shows disruption in the area.

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