Police today appealed for witnesses following a fire that closed the Bicester to Aylesbury road for six hours.

The fire, which is being treated as arson, broke out in Waddesdon at about 1am on Friday at Vale Tyre Services, on the A41 High Street.

As a safety precaution, the A41 was closed and a number of people were evacuated from nearby properties to a safe location.

No one was injured and the road reopened at 7am.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the fire, or has any information, to come forward.

PC Gareth Morley, Waddesdon neighbourhood officer, said: “Residents have already supplied information which is helping both the police service and fire service with vital information as to the cause of the fire.

"The information is helping us build up a picture of the sequence of events that occurred on the night of the fire.

"The investigation is still ongoing and I would like to hear from anyone else that might have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area.

“A temporary metal fence has been erected around this site and I am urging people not to trespass into the building as it is unstable and is at risk of collapse.

"The matter has been passed to Aylesbury Vale District Council and a building inspector has already visited the site.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Morley at Waddesdon police station via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to talk to the police, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

You can also give information to the police in person by visiting any police station. To find out the opening times and location of your local station please call 0845 8 505 505 or visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/bcu/buckinghamshire/bcu-info/stations.htm