A LARGE sum of money has been reported stolen following a fire at retirement housing which left five people needing medical treatment.

Police have now launched an investigation into the cause of the fire at Basset Lodge - a block of retirement flats - just off Basset Avenue.

According to officers, it is unknown whether the stolen cash and the bedroom fire which broke out at around 9.40pm on Monday are linked.

The Daily Echo has asked how much money was reported stolen from a male resident, but police were unable to specify.

Bassett Crescent resident Jennifer Pimley, 19, said: “I got home at around 10.15pm and the top of the road was blocked off.

“There was an alarm going off so I had to go round the other way.

“I saw someone being wrapped in a blanket to keep them warm.”

Another resident who wished to remain unnamed added: “ I saw someone being wheeled out on a stretcher.

“I could smell smoke.

“The first fire engine arrived very quickly.

“There were around five ambulance vehicles and the road was closed.”

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) reported sending four hazard response teams to the incident as well as an ambulance crew.

A SCAS spokesperson confirmed that four people were treated on the scene while one other was taken to hospital.

According to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services, four fire engines tackled the fire after receiving an emergency call at around 9.40pm.

Crews from Eastleigh, Redbridge and St Mary’s Fire Stations were in attendance with the stop message came in just after 11pm.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called just before 10.20pm last night (February 25) by the fire service who were attending a fire at an address in Bassett Avenue.

“A resident at the address reported a large sum of money had also been stolen from him.

“Officers attended the address and enquiries are ongoing into the exact circumstances.