A 46-year-old man is in police custody after an arson attack on a pensioner’s home.

Shiela Smith, 81, was woken by a passing motorist who spotted a fire outside her home in Wood Street, Wallingford, at 6.15am on February 26.

The porch and hall of her home were badly damaged but Miss Smith was uninjured.

Police arrested a 46-year-old man today on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.