Shotz bar in Southampton damaged by fire

Today scenes of crime officers and fire investigators were combing the charred interior of the Shotz Bar at the junction of Onslow Road and St Mary's Road for clues.

The cause of the fire at the empty pub has been described as "doubtful."

It was shortly before 3am that emergency services received a call to say the building was on fire.

Six pumps converged on the scene to fight the fire on the ground and first floors of the two-storey end of terrace building.

An aerial ladder platform was also brought in to help quench the flames, which were tackled by 18 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using five jets and two hose reels.

Crews from St Marys, Redbridge, Hightown and Hamble spent more than two and a half hours at the scene.

More than 40 firefighters attended along with five senior officers and at the height of the drama, surrounding roads were closed off.

According to local residents, the Shotz bar has not been trading since Christmas.

Two planning applications dated January 27 on the exterior walls say the owners want the city council to grant permission to transform the premises into a convenience store.

This morning two police officers stood guard outside the front of the building where there was a gapping hole in the shutters through which firefighters gained entry.

Passers by could readily see the upstairs burnt out and PVC window frames were gnarled and twisted. Foam coated a wall.