Suspected arson at luxury cottage

A fire at a family home is being treated as arson.

The fire badly damaged the ground floor of the three-storey cottage in Belmont, Wantage, Oxfordshire.

About 30 firefighters attended the fire at the luxury property at 0245 BST on Wednesday. No-one was injured because the family were away at the time.

A spokesman for the fire service said the incident was being treated as suspicious because it appeared the fire started in more than one place.

"At first we weren't sure if there was anyone in the house, but after a search in difficult conditions we found the house was clear," said the spokesman.

"It now appears the family was away on holiday.

"Fire investigation officers in conjunction with Thames Valley Police are now looking into the cause of the fire."