A thief stole a 4x4 vehicle before crashing it into a fence and then abandoning it.

Thames Valley Police said officers were called to Woodperry Road in Beckley yesterday at 8.45am when a woman reported a black Audi 4x4 had been stolen.

The car was driven off at speed, crashed into a nearby fence and then driven off again, with wire and wood from the fence still attached to it.

It was found abandoned in Cutteslowe, Oxford at about 9am.

At the same time, a property in Woodperry Road, near where the car had been stolen, was found to be on fire, which police said was started deliberately.

The fire service attended to put out the blaze. No-one was in the property at the time.

Police believe the fire and the theft of the car are linked.

Yesterday evening, a 20-year-old man from Oxford was arrested in Oxford on suspicion of burglary, arson with intent to endanger life, aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving. He is currently in custody.

Det Insp Mike Roddy who is leading the investigation, said “I would appeal for anyone who may have witnessed these incidents and has not yet come forward to the police to contact us on 101 as a matter of urgency.”