TEENAGE arsonists have driven a vulnerable man out of his Oxford home.

The youths have started two fires at the Rose Hill flat of Graham Foster - and on one occasion tried to create an explosion using household chemicals and a microwave.

Last Friday, the youths struck the Rivermead Road flat again, sparking a blaze that destroyed a window, mattress and sofa.

Mr Foster, who is in his late 20s and has mental health issues, has now abandoned his home.

A neighbour, who lives in the flat above, has asked for new accommodation from Oxford City Council because of her fear over the attacks.

Police have appealed for witnesses.

Det Con Lewis Mayling, from Oxford CID, said: "I think they are just idiotic. It is probably half mucking about and half trying to upset the victim as well.

"They probably do not understand his behaviour and that is why they have been bullying him.

"There is nothing in police records to show any other motives to pick on him as an individual - it is just the case that they are bullies of vulnerable people.

"The victim has now moved somewhere else because he could not stay in the flat due to these youths' behaviour."

Police are investigating two fires, an arson attempt and two break-ins at the flat and believe the same group of teenagers is responsible.

On Saturday, July 28, the gang kicked in a panel of Mr Foster's door to gain entry and then loaded chemicals into his microwave.

Det Con Mayling said: "They put knives, forks, plastic, hairspray and baked bean cans in the microwave.

"They must have left it thinking it would explode and set fire to the flat, but it did not really light - it just fused the microwave and left a bad smell."

The next day the youths set papers on a chest of drawers in the flat alight, causing a small fire.

Det Con Mayling, pictured, said: "If their motive is just to start a fire it is very irresponsible.

"If it is to pick on a vulnerable man because of who he is, then that is even sadder.

"On certain occasions there have been one or two of them. On other occasions there have been a number of them.

"We suspect a group of youths that have been responsible for other anti-social behaviour around the estate."

A 14-year-old boy was arrested in relation to the microwave incident, but was released without charge. No other arrests have been made.

Det Con Mayling said: "We need to figure out who has done it in case they try to pick on other vulnerable people or try to start more fires."