Firefighters last night tackled a blaze at a community centre following a suspected arson.

About 11.20pm crews from Bicester and Oxford were faced with a "rapidly escalating" fire involving the the outside storage area which spread to the main building off Shakespeare Drive.

The fire is believed to be suspicious and Thames Valley Police has launched an investiagtion.

Bicester Advertiser:

Crew manager Pete Mackay from Bicester Fire Station said: "Our initial firefighting attack and swift access to the building gave us the opportunity to prevent significant damage, hopefully allowing the occupants an early return."

Quick response from the crews which included removing part of the roof of the centre saved any significant damage inside.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire protection and business safety manager group manager Stuart Garner said: "It is important that businesses understand how dangerous it can be to keep wheelie bins too close to buildings.

"The rubbish in them can often be easily ignited and it can burn very quickly. 

"Flames can rapidly spread to the nearby building, endangering lives, causing damage or in some cases totally destroying property. 

"I would urge all business operators to look closely at how they both store and dispose of waste to prevent fires spreading."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 0800 555 111