More than 60 firefighters from across Hampshire were at the scene following a 999 call at 2.53am on Friday morning from a resident living in a block of flats nearby. One person was treated for smoke inhalation but it’s understood that his condition is not serious.

As the flames threatened nearby apartments in Vespasian Quay, a number of residents were evacuated to Bitterne Manor Primary School during the early stages of the fire, but were allowed back to their homes shortly afterwards.

A spokesman for Hampshire police said: ‘A joint investigation by Hampshire police, Hampshire Fire and Rescue and Hampshire Arson Task Force is still under way, however we are treating the fire as arson.’