Arsonists struck at two businesses in Oxford with firebombs during a spate of attacks across the city.

Police are investigating if seven arson attacks in Oxford between 6.30pm and 11.45pm on Monday are linked.

Burning plastic bottles were dropped through letterboxes at C Warmington & Sons accountancy office and Amy Surman Jewellery, in Wilkins Road, Cowley, at about 10.40pm.

Flames gutted the office but failed to take hold at the jewellery store.

Arwan Zaheer, manager at C Warmington & Sons, said: “They put something through the letterbox and set the office on fire. The carpet and computer are ruined.”

Amy Surman was asleep above her shop at the time. She said: “It could have been quite serious because people live above.”

Police are keeping an open mind whether the two attacks are linked with a bin fire outside the Four Candles pub, in George Street, a motorcycle cover fire in Sidney Street, a bin fire in Horspath Road, Cowley, the throwing of a flare, and the arson of a Citroen Saxo.

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.