BMW is continuing to monitor the paint shop at its Cowley car factory in a bid to trace the source of a foul stench spreading across Oxford, after an extensive Easter cleaning programme failed to get rid of the smell.

Managers said the programme was carried out after residents and workers complained of a strong and unpleasant chemical smell in and around the plant. They have not yet reported any improvement, but will continue the cleaning programme.

BMW spokesman Harry Briggs said: "We can confirm that we continued with our extensive cleaning programme during the Easter break when we were shut down and we are continuing to monitor this very closely."

The stink, which is reportedly giving people sore throats and headaches, has been noticed as far away as Rose Hill and Headington.

People living in Blackbird Leys and Cowley say they are forced to keep their windows shut and block up their air vents to suppress the fumes.