House blaze being treated as arson

A BLAZE which destroyed a house in Gillotts Lane, Henley is being treated as arson.

The property, which is understood to be empty, was engulfed in flames yesterday (Tuesday) and seven fire engines, including an aerial ladder platform, and paramedics were called to the scene at about 3.25pm.

At the height of the blaze about 40 firefighters battled to being it under control.

They were called after flames were spotted by dog walkers on Gillotts Field.

David Bray, of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The first fire appliance, which was mobilised from Henley Fire Station, was on scene within minutes and found the building to already be fully involved in fire.

“At the height of the fire approximately 40 fire fighters were battling to bring it under control, which has ripped through the entire early 1900s house.”

Fire engines from Watlington, High Wycombe and three from Reading also arrived on the scene, along with an incident support vehicle from Eynsham.

Staff at the nearby Henley leisure centre, along with police, were directing traffic.

The road was cordoned off and a large pall of dark grey smoke was visible overhead. Flames spread to trees near the property.

Mr Bray added: "Fire crews remained on scene throughout the night – the incident was scaled down to two fire appliances at 10:30pm. One fire appliance remained on scene from 1am.

“Their actions were to deal with any hot spots and isolated pockets of fire that may have re-ignited. The fire is now completely extinguished, and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will be handing the property back to the owners this morning.

“Investigations into the cause have not yet been concluded, however it is being treated as arson.”