Oxford: Body found as police investigate flat fire
A police cordon was in place at Donnington Bridge Road after fire crews were called to the incident at around 5:20am following this morning (September 20).
Forensics officers and officials with the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service could be seen at the flats on Donnington Bridge Road throughout the afternoon.
Thames Valley Police say the death is being treated as unexplained at this time and there will be an increased presence in the area while they investigate
Investigating officer Inspector Richard Picking, of Oxford CID, said: “The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“You will see a continued police presence in the area as enquiries continue jointly with the fire service.
“We are not looking for anyone in connection with this investigation at this stage[2].
“The death is being treated as unexplained at this time.
“I would ask anyone who may have information about the fire to please contact us.
“You can do so by calling 101 or by making a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230421630.
“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
We are investigating an unexplained death following fire.
At around 5.40am today, officers responded to a report of a fire at a block of flats in Donnington Bridge Road.
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— TVP Oxford (@TVP_Oxford) September 20, 2023[5]
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service added that four other people were rescued from neighbouring flats.
The fire at the block of flats led to a road closure in both directions.
The road was reopened in both directions at around 9am.
A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “Crews were called at 5.24am to a flat fire on Donnington Bridge Road.
“A total of four fire engines from Slade and Rewley Road attended, extinguished the fire and carried out the rescue of four people from surrounding flats.
“Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are working with the police to determine the cause of the fire.
“The fire engines left the scene at 7.52am but some officers are liaising with the police.”
The road closure caused disruption to bus services and motorists.
A Thames Travel statement at the time of the closure said: “Due to Donnington Bridge Road being closed by police we advise passengers to make their way to Iffley Road or to Redbridge Park and Ride to get the bus.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
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— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) September 13, 2023[9]
A police van could be seen at the flat block where the fire took place during the morning.
A child’s pram was also visible behind the police tape while police carried out investigations into the fire.
An eyewitness, who was walking past on Wednesday morning on the way to work, said: “The police cordon is across the front door of the flats where the first floor windows have been scorched.”
The disruption came as commuters were also delayed by a tanker leak on the A34 near the Hinksey Hill Interchange in the southbound direction.
Soya curd had spilt across the road around 3.20am and continued to be cleaned up until noon.
References
- ^ Pictures show police forensics at scene of Oxford arson incident (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ stage (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ https://t.co/6eMCcwXORh (t.co)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/Z5YkhJELYP (t.co)
- ^ September 20, 2023 (twitter.com)
- ^ Network Rail sorry for decision to keep Botley Road closed (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
- ^ https://t.co/X7IOnawrD3 (t.co)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/LQlTkCrm8o (t.co)
- ^ September 13, 2023 (twitter.com)