OXFORDSHIRE County Council says its investigation into the fire at a North Oxford block of flats has concluded - but it cannot provide information on the cause of the blaze, or whether the fire alarms went off.

People living close to the scene of the devastating blaze in Woodstock Close, near the Church of SS Gregory and Augustine, have said they did not hear any fire alarms go off.

Flames and smoke caused the roof to partially collapse at the complex in mid December, forcing residents to seek shelter in temporary accommodation.

READ AGAIN: North Oxford fire: Alarms 'not heard', residents say

Removal and storage company Headington Carriers said two of its workmen, Colin Odley and another who did not want to be identified, were on site but unable to activate the alarms, despite their best efforts on floors 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Oxford Mail:

The fire in Woodstock Close. Picture: Tony Keenan

Various residents told the Oxford Mail that they had not heard any alarms going off.

Marinos Vaos, a resident in the block's second floor, but who was not home at the time of the blaze, said he was certain the alarms did not go off.

But, speaking on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, council spokesman Chris Dyson said: “Our investigation has concluded. In terms of the cause, there are separate investigations being undertaken by insurers.

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"We are very conscious that any information we provide could prejudice that separate investigation. However once we are able to do so we will not hesitate to reveal the result of our investigation.”

Peerless Properties, which manages the block, are yet to comment on whether the fire alarms failed.