A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and arson following an incident in Kennington last night.

Police arrested the man at 8.50pm after receiving reports of a fire and a disturbance at a house in Kennington Road.

Fourteen police officers attended the incident, with firefighters and ambulance staff, and the police helicopter was also used.

Danny Donovan, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said a 34-year-old man from Oxford was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and arson.

He has not been charged and remains in custody.

Mr Donovan added that extensive damage was caused to the upstairs of the house, and an area of Kennington Road was cordoned off for a forensic investigation.

Det Insp Kev Elkins, of Thames Valley Police, said: "This is an isolated incident and, at this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with our investigation.

"There were people who could have seen what happened and haven’t yet spoken to the police, so I would like to encourage anyone who witnessed this incident or the events leading up to it to come forward."

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed paramedics had been called to an address in Kennington at about 9pm.

Two people, a woman and a young child, were treated at the scene for shock but suffered no injuries.

A spokesman added: "It was obviously a very harrowing experience but no-one was taken to hospital.

"We stayed with the woman and the child and then handed the scene over to the police."

A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire Service refused to comment.

Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505505 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.