A FIRE that destroyed a 17th century thatched barn in Denchworth started accidentally, it was revealed last night.

The Brook Lane barn, which was used as offices, burnt to the ground following the fire, which started shortly before 3am on Sunday, March 11.

Seventy firefighters battled the blaze.

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Paul Smith said: “Further technical investigations need to be completed before a conclusion can be made about the exact cause.”