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Major probe launched into suspected arson that destroyed three buildings

POLICE investigating a spate of suspected arson attacks said gas canisters were found at the scenes of all three fires, which ended with a devastating blaze at a council office.

The burnt-out wreckage of a car which crashed in to the South Oxfordshire District Council building moments before it became engulfed in flames is still resting in the foyer.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service led a massive operation to bring all three blazes under control and at its peak 27 crews were tackling the fires which started within 10 minutes of each other shortly after 3am.

The first blaze was at a thatched house in Roke-marsh, followed minutes later by a second at Chadwick Howard Funeral Service and a third at the council offices, both in Benson Lane in the village of Crowmarsh Gifford and both reported in the same minute.

Thames Valley Police said a 47-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is in custody.

At a press conference this afternoon, Superintendent Andy Boyd, of Thames Valley Police, said: "Gas canisters have been found at the location of all three of the fires.

"There were gas canisters in the vicinity of the car."

He added that an 80-year-old woman managed to escape the blaze at the thatched house and is helping officers with their investigation.

Mr Boyd added that gas canisters were found at the home of the 47-year-old suspect as well as at a second address in Roke during police searches.

The fires are now under control and being dampened down, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: "At this stage the police investigation is focusing on all three fires being linked and they are believed to be suspicious.

"It is believed that a vehicle collided with the South Oxfordshire District Council building prior to the fire.

"There are cordons in place at all three locations and residents and motorists are asked to avoid these areas.

"Nobody has been reported injured at this time as a result of these fires; however, following these fires the structures of the buildings affected are being examined for safety.

"This is being investigated as a criminal act and is not thought to be linked to any terrorist activity."