Two firefighters killed in Southampton blaze

• Fire damage on the exterior of Shirley Towers in Church Street, Southampton, where two firefighters died while tackling a blaze.

The incident occurred at 8pm last night when a fire broke out in a seventh floor in the Church Road area of the city.

Another two firefighters were taken to hospital by ambulance with minor

burns to their hands.

Police cordoned off nearby roads as 20 fire appliances and supporting vehicles were mobilised from stations across the country to battle the blaze.

Chief fire officer John Bonney said: "This is an incredibly difficult and sad time for myself and everyone in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"The two firefighters will be sadly missed and will leave a devastating hole in the Service.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this tragic time and we are giving them all the support we can.

"This is not only a devastating loss to our Service but is a loss to the whole fire service community.

"During these incredibly difficult circumstances firefighters at the scene undertook the successful evacuation and rescue of a number of people.

"Their professionalism, under truly difficult conditions, have been admirable and a testament to our service."