National Trust house catches fire

The rules of modern croquet were laid down on the lawn at Chastleton House

A 400-year-old house owned by the National Trust in Oxfordshire has been damaged by fire.

Up to 40 firefighters were called to Chastleton House near Moreton in Marsh on Saturday afternoon.

The house, which is open to the public, was evacuated and no visitors or staff were hurt.

The fire began in a second floor bedroom but was brought under control quickly and there was little damage to the house and its rare contents.

Thames Valley Police say they are treating the fire as arson.