HOUSES were evacuated after three thatched buildings went up in flames shortly after 3am.
Police evacuated a number of properties at about 6.30am and took 30 villagers to Berrick and Roke Village Hall.
There were fears that gas cannisters in the area could go up and specialist units, including an armed response unit, were called.
It is believed an 80-year-old woman who managed to escape from one of the thatched buildings was taken to the village hall, before leaving to help police with their inquiries.
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Residents’ spokesman Simon Williams said he lived next door to one of the homes that caught fire.
He said: “It was about 3am when we started to smell smoke.
“The next thing the dogs were barking and our neighbour knocked on the door and said we had to get out because there was a fire.
An emergency crisis centre has been set up at Abbey House following the fire at the SODC offices
“At first we were just waiting outside for the heat to die down and we went back into the house at about 5.30am.
“Then the police knocked the door at 6.30am saying the area was being evacuated.
“We could see half of the thatched cottage roof was burning away and the house behind us was completely destroyed.”
Emergency services after the thatched cottage fire.
Police officers, the Red Cross and a representative of Oxfordshire County Council were at the village hall to offer support.
Red Cross service manager Ian Rimell said: “Our volunteers and staff are supporting the people who have been evacuated as the result of [the] fires. As well as providing them with food and drink they are trained to give emotional support, which can make a huge difference in helping people cope at a time of crisis.”
Other South Oxfordshire arson attack stories
- Man in custody after arson attacks on councils building, funeral parlour and cottage
- Funeral director: Why would anyone do this?
- Witness: I was staggered to capture the fire on video
- Numbers to call as authority recovers
- History of the council building
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