Firefighters rushed to Above Bar Street in the city centre yesterday after smoke was reportedly seen coming out of a restaurant.

Three fire engines parked between KFC and a row of shops on the busy city centre road around 2pm, closing a lane on the junction with Civic Centre Road and New Road.

But when firefighters arrived, they found that the fire was already out.

Gary Yates was doing some Christmas shopping when he walked past and saw the three fire engines, but said that whatever they were called out to ‘wasn’t obvious.’

One fast-food worker on Above Bar Street said: “I saw three engines here, two on the little taxi rank and one outside KFC.

”It looked like the firefighters couldn’t find what they were looking for and then suddenly drove off."

KFC confirmed to the Echo that the fire was not on their premises and did not affect business.

The location of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Southampton firefighters were called out shortly before 2pm after smoke was spotted coming from the first-floor of a restaurant building on Above Bar Street.

"St Mary’s and Redbridge crews arrived to find the small fire in an industrial cooker was already out.

"Further crews were stood down before HIWFRS left the scene following the stop message at 14:12."