THE cause of a serious fire at an East Oxford school remained unconfirmed last night as firefighters handed the scene back over to school staff.

More than 60 firefighters were called to Magdalen College School in Cowley Place on Tuesday night to stop the flames spreading from offices to the school gym and sports hall. The offices were understood to have been the most severely damaged but Tim Hands, master of the school, said it was hoped the cost of restoring them would be kept to under six figures.

Fire investigators said arson had not yet been ruled out as the cause in their joint investigation with Thames Valley Police.

Last night police spokeswoman Connie Primmer said: “The cause of fire is still unconfirmed and the police investigation is ongoing.” Firefighters were first called to the blaze after the alarm was raised at 7.15pm.

Crews from Rewley Road and Slade Park were reported to have brought the flames under control by about 10.30pm. The next day firefighters remained at the scene with police.

Scheduled A-level exams all took place and the MCS Arts Festival from June 20 to July 5 was also still confirmed to be going ahead.