Cause of Portsmouth house fire being investigated by police

Fire crews were called to the incident in New Road, Fratton, at 12.15pm.

A spokesman for Southsea Fire Station said: '˜The fire started in the lounge on the ground floor of the property.

'˜Smoke travelled next door but nothing there was damaged.'

Fire crews from Southsea, Cosham, Portchester and Havant attended and had left the scene by 1.30pm.

A spokesman for Hampshire police said: '˜We assisted Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service with road closures.

'˜Nobody was inside the building and no-one was hurt.

'˜The cause of the fire is under investigation.'