A PROBE has been launched into the cause of a major fire which destroyed a former working men's club in Southampton.

More than 70 firefighters from across Hampshire rushed to Victor Street in Shirley as flames threatened to engulf a neighbouring building used by the Salvation Army.

Daily Echo: Fire at disused social club in Victor Street, Shirley, SouthamptonFire at disused social club in Victor Street, Shirley, Southampton

With 14 fire engines on the scene, crews from across the county were hampered by strong winds which fanned the flames and also sent a huge cloud of thick smoke drifting across the area.

People were urged to avoid the area as the emergency services rushed to the old Shirley Working Men's Club, and locals were told to keep their doors and windows shut because of the smoke.

Meanwhile, passers-by covered their faces with their hands and scarves.

Firefighters remain on the scene this morning, however Victor Street is now open.

The blaze broke out shortly after 6pm. Streets in the centre of Shirley echoed to the sound of sirens as the first firefighters on the scene were joined by colleagues from as far afield as Fareham, plus police office and ambulance crews.

No-one was hurt but the building was reduced to a charred ruin.

According to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Sercices, the police have been informed and the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Daily Echo: Fire at disused social club in Victor Street, Shirley, SouthamptonFire at disused social club in Victor Street, Shirley, Southampton

Flames could be seen pouring out of the roof as firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control using two aerial ladder platforms which enabled them to fight the fire from above.

The blaze started in a long, thin building between the Salvation Army complex and the former Factory of Fun play centre.

One witness said: "I was walking down the road when I saw lots of smoke and then I heard sirens. They moved us away as more equipment arrived, including an aerial ladder platform.

Group Manager Nigel Cooper said: "We have managed to stop the flames from spreading to the Factory of Fun, a Salvation Army building and a church. That has been our priority."

Smoke from the blaze covered large areas of the west of Southampton.

One resident in nearby Shirley Towers said: "It's pretty smokey in this flat. Our eyes and throats are burning. It's pretty horrid as you can imagine.

"We evacuated thinking at first it was in this block, but we had to come back in as the smoke was just horrific."

And Kayleigh Crisell, of Howard's Grove, added: "I smelt smoke and thought it was a bonfire. Then I went out on the landing and saw thick black smoke.

"I phoned my dad, who lives near the scene. and he said the old social club was on fire. It's absolutely terrible - there's nothing left."