ESTATE agents in Oxford are baffled after nine arson attacks on For Sale boards in two weeks.

Properties in and around the Headington area have been hit between March 13 and last Friday.

Last night police vowed to catch the arsonist and warned someone could get hurt if the attacks escalate.

London Road has been hardest hit, where seven signs were set alight.

In one instance paramedics travelling along the road in the early hours had to pull over and extinguish the flames to prevent them spreading to a nearby fence.

Stuart Burtenshaw, of Connells Estate Agents in London Road, said the firm had lost two boards.

He said: “We don’t really know why this is happening.

“We normally lose the signs because they are pinched across the weekend and we have to replace them on a Monday. Obviously setting fire to them is a different story. Nine times out of 10 we put them on the driveway, but sometimes they can be near the house.”

Andrews Estate Agents, also in London Road, lost two boards, in Delbush Avenue and London Road.

Sales negotiator Gemma Sampson said: “This obviously upsets our clients.

“One family were away when their board was set alight and their neighbour had to move it because there was a viewing that morning.

“These arson attacks are making a real mess and there is always the danger the fire could spread.”

A spokesman for Chancellors, in London Road, confirmed the company had two boards torched.

Sales manager Jonathan Seabert said: “Obviously this is really frustrating and costly to us, but our prime concern is for our clients and their properties.

“So far the damage has been restricted to the sign board, but it is only a matter of time before something more serious happens.”

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses.

PC Zoe Eele said: “I would urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward and speak to me as soon as possible.

“Most of these fires have been started along the London Road, which is a busy road at all times of the day with traffic coming in and out of the city, and I believe someone must have seen something.

“Other than destroying the signs, the fires haven’t caused too much damage and we are keen to catch the person responsible before it potentially escalates and someone gets hurt.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Eele von 0845 8 505 505, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.