Dozens of families evacuated in Eynsham yesterday amid fears gas canisters were about to explode are now back home and all roads in the village have reopened.

Firefighters were called to a house in Newland Street around 6am as a thick plume of smoke rose above the village in a suspected arson attack.

Emergency crews were worried about two gas canisters in the garden shed - described as an "explosive cocktail" of acetylene, carbon dioxide and paints - and evacuated families from 60 nearby properties, including the White Hart pub.

About 200 people were evacuated.

Most found accommodation with family and friends and 23 were put in local hotels.

This morning people were allowed back into their homes as the cylinders were said to be reaching a stable temperature.

Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, said: "This incident has demonstrated the strength of the multi-agency planning process for emergencies and I am pleased it went smoothly and efficiently.

"We would like to thank the two local schools and the landlord of the Newland Inn, who provided communication and rest facilities.

We also thank the media for their assistance in timely communication of our messages."

Firefighters said contractors were expected to take the canisters away later today.

Mike Smyth, Deputy Chief Fire Officer with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It's important to point out that when acetylene cylinders are heated in a fire they become extremely unstable and can detonate in the same way as a high explosive shell, hours after an incident has occurred.

"They need to be continually cooled for 24 hours before anyone can approach them, to ensure that they won't explode."

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and police said they have bailed him and "handed him to another agency."