Three major fires have been reported in Oxfordshire within nine minutes of each other, after what Police suspect to be a spate of arson attacks. The buildings attacked were a thatched cottage, a funeral directors and one of the major offices of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils.
A total of 27 fire engines and 100 firefighters have been tackling the blaze since the fires started between 3:11am and 3:20am. Oxfordshire Fire Service have been forced to call in for back up by their colleagues from Berkshire.
There has been speculation the office was rammed by a car that was loaded with gas cannisters, although Thames Valley Police have not yet confirmed that. So far there has been no motive suggested for the attacks.
The office in Crowmarsh Gifford is said to house over 400 members of staff, and has already been damaged beyond repair, according to Council staff. The two councils that occupied the site will now use an old office they had previously vacated.
A local man in his 40’s has been arrested on suspicion of arson.
This story is developing.