Tri-Service

Man Questioned Over Oxfordshire Fires

A man is being questioned by police over a devastating spate of suspected arson attacks which saw a car crash into a council building moments before it burst into flames.

Witnesses reported seeing the burnt-out wreckage of the vehicle in the foyer of South Oxfordshire District Council office, which they suspected had been packed full of gas canisters.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service led a massive operation to bring the blazes under control and at its peak 27 crews were tackling three separate blazes, which started within 10 minutes of each other shortly after 3am yesterday.

Thames Valley Police said a 47-year-old man, named in reports as farmer Andrew Main, was arrested on suspicion of arson and is in custody.

The series of events may have been triggered by a lengthy planning dispute, according to reports.

There has been some military involvement in the response.

Tim Cooper was at the scene.