Police are probing an arson attack on toilets at a new M40 service station.

A firebug set light to toilet rolls at the new Welcome Break service station at Wheatley yesterday morning and people were evacuated as smoke filled the nearby dining area.

Ten firefighters were on the scene to tackle the blaze as staff ushered diners on to the forecourt outside.

Fire officers told police that the blaze was started deliberately and pointed out that there had been a huge fire 48 hours earlier at South Mimms service station on the M25 in Hertfordshire.

But Ian Ferguson, spokesman for Hertfordshire Fire Service said the M25 blaze, which caused millions of pounds worth of damage, was accidental and was not linked to the one in Wheatley.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman added: "We believe the fire at the Welcome Break off the M40 was of doubtful origin and is now being investigated."

Fire officer Graham Turner, who attended the incident, added: "The fire was not anywhere near the petrol pumps and no-one was in danger at any point."

After fire officers put out the blaze, police searched the area to try to find the culprit, or to find clues, but no arrests were made.

Last week, an investigation was launched at the new service station after a motorist complained there was a strong smell of petrol fumes.

Bosses discovered a small leak in one of the petrol pumps and made it safe.

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