OXFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has warned of the dangers of gas barbecues after two fires in Witney over the weekend.

One was caused by placing coal briquettes on a gas barbecue and the other by a faulty cylinder connection.

Witney Fire Station watch manager Nick Annetts said: “Both fires could have had much more serious consequences had they gone un-checked.”

He warned people to ensure gas barbecues are in good condition, placed at a safe distance from buildings and that no other fuels are added to them.