An investigation was launched after a worried motorist smelled strong petrol fumes at a new motorway service station.

The mum-of-two, who works at an estate agents, called at the Welcome Break service station on the M40 at Wheatley on Wednesday to get petrol.

As she was filling up, there was a strong smell of fumes on the forecourt of the garage and she alerted staff.

Yesterday, engineers had isolated a pump, and Station Officer Pat Rosen, of Oxfordshire Fire Brigade, was making safety checks.

The brigade is the Petroleum Licensing Authority for the county. Mr Rosen said: "It is possible that there may have been a slight leak from one of the pumps, which has now been isolated.

"A customer alerted staff and they notified engineers and all the relevant authorities as soon as possible.

"I want to carry out my own investigation to ensure public safety. We need to carry out checks into these incidents, however minor."

The driver who raised the alarm, but asked not to be named, said: "There was an overpowering smell of petrol on the forecourt when I went to fill my car up and I was extremely worried.

"I notified a member of staff who thanked me for drawing it to his attention and said there had been a leak. I was worried there might be a fire and left as soon as possible.

"When I got back, I telephoned the fire brigade to let them know what had happened."

Tom Cassidy, general manager of the Welcome Break service station, which was opened by TV personality Anthea Turner on July 19, was not available for comment.

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