A fire at a block of flats in Oxford which closed a road in both directions is being investigated as an arson.

A police cordon has been in place at Donnington Bridge Road this morning following the fire on Wednesday morning. 

Four fire crews were called to the incident at 5.24am from the Rewley Road and The Slade fire stations in Oxford.

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The fire service has been working with police to investigate the blaze.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “We received a report of a fire at a block of flats in Donnington Bridge Road, Oxford, at around 5.40am today (Wednesday, September 20).

Oxford Mail: A police van at the scene A police van at the scene (Image: Tom Seaward)

“Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has extinguished the fire and the block of flats has been evacuated but no one was injured.

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“Donnington Bridge Road was also closed but has since reopened.

“The incident is being investigated as an arson and anyone with information should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230421630.”

The road was reopened in both directions at around 9am.

A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said: "Crews were called at 5.24am to a flat fire on Donnington Bridge Road.

"A total of four fire engines from Slade and Rewley Road attended, extinguished the fire and carried out the rescue of four people from surrounding flats.

"Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are working with the police to determine the cause of the fire.

"The fire engines left the scene at 7.52am but some officers are liaising with the police."

The road closure caused disruption to bus services and motorists. 

A Thames Travel statement at the time of the closure said: "Due to Donnington Bridge Road being closed by police we advise passengers to make their way to Iffley Road or to Redbridge Park and Ride to get the bus.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

A police van could be seen at the flat block where the fire took place during the morning. 

An eyewitness said: "The police cordon is across the front door of the flats where the first floor windows have been scorched."

 

 

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1