FIREFIGHTERS were called to deal with a large field fire in Oxford where bales of hay had caught alight.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Services received multiple reports from residents on Botley Road of a 'strong smell of smoke' in the area in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Two fire engines from Rewley Road Fire Station and one from Slade Road Fire Station were sent to the scene where they found several hay bales in flames.

Another emergency crew from Wantage Fire Station was then also sent to help with the incident where sky-high smoke was spotted.

A photo of the scene of the blaze shows several stacked bales of hay on fire with the field around them charred.

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One member of the crew could be spotted behind the thick smoke tackling the flames with a hose.

Firefighters remained at the site to dampen down before leaving the scene.

Farmers are normally advised not bale hay which is too wet or green, to allow plenty of ventilation within any stack and regularly check the temperature of stacks just after storage.

It is not yet known whether this was an accident or if the fire is being treated as suspicious.