UPDATED 17:28 – Man in custody on ‘suspicion of arson to endanger life’

UPDATE –  It has been reported that gas canisters have been found at two addresses searched by police and that a search is continuing in a property associated with the man in custody.

A 47-year-old man from the Wallingford area was arrested this morning in Roke Marsh on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He is currently in police custody.

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

Approximately 30 people were evacuated from properties neighbouring the building which was set alight in Roke Marsh. They were evacuated to a nearby centre in the village and are being supported by members of the British Red Cross.

Thames Valley Police received intelligence that there were gas canisters on scene and so the MOD has sent the bomb disposal squad to the location in Benson Lane as a precautionary measure.

Supt Andy Boyd, LPA Commander for South and Vale said: “We are working with the Fire Service and the South Oxfordshire District Council as we investigate these fires and the motivation behind the arson.

“We believe they were not random and would like to reassure the public that they are not believed to be terrorist-related nor do we believe there is any likelihood of further danger to the public at this stage.

“We would like to thank the public for their support and patience while the emergency services carry out our work at the scenes.”

Officers were called at 3.24am to Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford where a fire was reported in Benson Lane. At 3.41am officers were called to a third fire at a property in Quakers Corner, Roke Marsh.