Three young boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a house fire.

Emergency services rushed to Church Street in Appleford yesterday afternoon (February 13) at around 3pm following reports of a blaze.

Thames Valley Police officers attended the scene along with six fire engines from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire.

READ MORELive: Road closure remains after Oxfordshire house fire

Two 12-year-old boys and an 11-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Oxford Mail: Emergency services remain on scene after a house fire in Appleford on Tuesday Emergency services remain on scene after a house fire in Appleford on Tuesday (Image: Gee Harland, Newsquest)

They have since been released on bail.

There were no injuries from the roof fire that caused substantial building collapse, say the authorities.

During the height of the fire, nearby residents were told by police to remain indoors and out of the smoke plume for their own health and welfare.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service were called at 2.50pm on February 13 to a location in Appleford.

"Six fire engines attended along with support vehicles.

"There was a roof fire and substantial building collapse.

"The incident is being investigated by both Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’ fire investigation team, and by the police."

A firefighter told the Oxford Mail at the scene at around 2pm on Wednesday that they would remain in Church Street until at least Thursday. 

Oxford Mail: Emergency services remain on scene after a house fire in Church Street in Appleford

It has been described as an "isolated" incident and there is not believed to be a wider threat to the public.

Detective Sergeant Nathan Adby, based at Abingdon police station said: “We are investigating this as an incident of arson at this time but are keeping an open mind while enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of what happened.

“This is an isolated incident and I don’t believe there to be any wider community concern.

“Thames Valley Police officers and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service remain on the scene so if you have any questions feel free to stop them and ask.

“I would like to appeal to anybody who may have camera footage in the area or any information regarding this incident, to please get in touch."

Oxford Mail: Emergency services remain in Appleford after a house fire on Tuesday Emergency services remain in Appleford after a house fire on Tuesday (Image: Gee Harland, Newsquest)

One eyewitness, Jenny Allsopp told the Oxford Mail how she could see the smoke from her home in Sutton Courtenay.

"I saw fire fire engines and three ambulances go past my house which is on the main road to Appleford," she added. 

"I couldn’t see the fire from my house, just the smoke, as I’m the next village to Appleford, Sutton Courtenay. 

"I just witnessed the emergency services on route and a lot were going in that direction."

A second eyewitness said: "I saw loads of blue lights and an incident tent on the bend but I was not close enough to say what happened.”

If you any have information contact Thames Valley Police by making a report online or calling 101 quoting reference number 43240070455.

Alternatively, for 100 per cent anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.