Arsonists hurled a petrol bomb at a house and then poured petrol through another home’s letterbox on an estate in Oxford.

Firefighters and police were called to High Cross Way, Barton, at 12.15am yesterday. Flames had engulfed the front door.

Fifteen minutes later police were alerted after petrol was tipped through the letterbox of a house in nearby Bernwood Road, although the fuel was not set alight. Police said they were linking the incidents.

No-one was injured, but residents in High Cross Way said they were shocked.

Neighbour Haula Nakakembo, 19, awoke to find police officers outside her front door.

She said: “I didn’t hear anything, but it’s really bad. Our house is full of kids — I have three younger sisters.

“It could have been a lot worse. I don’t know if there were kids nextdoor, but it’s not good. We are pretty shocked because we have quiet neighbours.”

Another neighbour, who did not wished to be named, described the attack as “disgusting” and “dangerous”.

The blaze left the wooden door at No 17 black with soot. A pram and pieces of cardboard lay scattered in the front garden.

Sgt Yak Teladia, Barton’s senior neighbourhood officer, said he had organised for officers and community police officers to step up patrols in the neighbourhood.

He added: “It would appear the families were specifically targeted, but the investigation is in its early stages and we are looking at all possible leads.”

Det Insp Simon Morton, who is leading the investigation, said Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire fire and rescue service were working together to “determine the circumstances surrounding the fire” and appealed for witnesses to either incident to come forward as soon as possible.

He said: “It’s possible the incidents were the result of a neighbourhood dispute.

“I would like to ask anyone with any information that could help with my investigation to get in touch, particularly anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity in High Cross Way or Bernwood Road.

“These incidents were deliberate attempts to cause damage and could be linked.

“Luckily nobody was injured as a result of the fire and, fortunately, in the second attempt, the petrol did not ignite and the occupants were safely evacuated.”

Anyone with information should contact Det Insp Morton of Oxford CID on 0845 8505505 or leave a message with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk