FIRE fighters were called to a petrol station in Headington due to a 'strong smell of fuel'.

Witnesses said they arrived at the station on London Road at around midday to 'take precautions'.

ALSO READ: M40 crash saw two people taken to hospital

According to a witness, the smell of fuel could be smelt from Headington shops down to the White Horse Pub on Headley Way.

The assistant manager at Subway, which is next door to the petrol station on London Road, said: "A customer who spoke to a fire fighter came in and said there was a strong smell of petrol fumes and that the fire service is taking precautions to ensure the area is safe."

Little Waitrose, the shop at the station, closed for the afternoon while the site was checked by engineers. 

ALSO READ: BP petrol station devastated by massive fire

A spokesperson from Waitrose & Partners said earlier: "The Fire Brigade attended as a precaution and have now confirmed there is no risk - the shop will re-open once engineers have attended later on this afternoon.

"Safety is our absolute priority, but we're very sorry for any inconvenience caused to customers with this temporary closure."