Burglars set a house they had raided on fire, causing £1m damage.
Detectives believe the detached house in Lambridge Wood Road, Henley-on-Thames, was broken into and burgled in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The raiders then started several fires in the property.
Ten fire engines and more than 70 firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze, which continued well into the day.
Sgt Bob Gray, of Thames Valley Police, said: "There are clear signs that the house was burgled prior to being set alight.
"Damage is estimated at £1m."
The Italian owner of the seven-bedroom house is out of the country.
Story date: Monday 22 November
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