THE peaceful atmosphere at a retirement complex in Basingstoke was shattered on Monday morning (October 16) when a fire alarm went off, rousing residents from their sleep.

The fire alarm went off at 6.20 am at Westdeane Court, a retirement complex in Worting Road.

It was turned off, only three hours later, after the incessant alarm caused frustration among the retirees.

There are 40 houses in Westdeane Court, each housing retirees seeking a peaceful living environment.

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However, the early morning fire alarm disrupted their morning routine, leaving them at a loss as to how to stop the blaring sound.

A resident said they quickly contacted the fire service for assistance, and they assured that engineers were being dispatched to resolve the issue.

However, it took three hours for an engineer to turn up and switch off the alarm.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "A crew from Basingstoke were alerted to an alarm sounding at a property on Westdeane Court shortly after 6am.

"The crew were stood down before they arrived as there was no fire and it was left with the relevant company to organise the reset of the alarm."