Residents unable to return to tower block after fire

Some of the residents who were evacuated when a fire broke out at a high-rise tower block have been unable to return.

The blaze at Redbridge Towers, Southampton, began in a communal area on the 18th floor at about 22:20 GMT on Saturday, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said.

Southampton City Council, which manages the block, said although some residents were able to return to their homes shortly afterwards, a "handful of residents" remained displaced.

However, it added they had been able to retrieve some belongings.

"The council will continue to assist these residents whilst their homes are being repaired, and we will always support any resident during unfortunate circumstances such as this," a spokesperson said.

An exact timetable for when residents would be able to return to their flats could not yet be provided, they continued.

The authority said it was now in the process of cleaning up the affected area, which had resulted in "some smoke damage", with "cosmetic damage to windows and plaster".

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