Detectives believe an attempted arson attack in Oxford may be linked to a string of similar incidents two months ago.

A liquid, thought to be petrol, was poured through the letterbox of a house at 11.20pm on Friday, May 17, but the fuel did not catch fire. Two men were seen near the home, in Swan Street, Osney, Oxford. One of them is described as tall, aged 18 to 20.

In March, incendiary devices, thought by police to have been theatrical flares, were thrust through the letter boxes of three homes in the same area, including the home of a disabled pensioner.

John Holmes, 77, of South Street, was among the Osney island residents who woke up to find a red mark burning into his doormat and on down the wall.

Walter Mitty's pub in nearby Bridge Street and a house in Swan Street were also targeted.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call Oxford police on 01865 266333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.