FIVE cars, including an Audi A3, caught fire in a mystery blaze outside flats in Cowley.

A Vauxhall Corsa was completely destroyed and four other vehicles parked next to it were damaged as flames reportedly reached 20ft in the blaze at a residents’ car park in William Morris Close shortly after midnight yesterday.

Police said arson was suspected, but no arrests had been made last night.

It is understood the fire started in a Vauxhall Corsa, before spreading to vehicles parked nearby.

Our top stories

Rod Smitham, 71, had the rear end of his £3,000 grey Renault Scenic, which was parked in front of the Corsa, melted in the fire and now fears his car will be written off.

Oxford Mail:

It was the second time he had been a victim of a vehicle fire on the housing estate. His motorbike was destroyed, and the Renault suffered minor damage, in an arson attack about five years ago. The culprit was never found.

Mr Smitham said: “It could well be arson because cars don’t just burst into flames by themselves.

“I’ve seen fires but nothing like that which has affected so many cars, and there was a smell of burning plastic.

“The car where it started is totally burnt out.

“It’s annoying for it to happen again but it’s not that sort of area.”

Mr Smitham, who is retired and lives with his wife Ilona, was woken up by several loud bangs, bringing back memories of the previous fire.

He saw the blaze from his window and dialled 999 at 12.45am, rushing outside to try to salvage what he could from the burning vehicle.

A fire engine and police officers arrived within five minutes, with firefighters putting out the flames by 1.23am.

A black Ford Focus, red Nissan Micra and black Audi A3 were also damaged, while glass from the burnt-out Vauxhall – which had its bonnet raised – was scattered around the car park.

Mr Smitham, who owns another car, said: “The flames were coming from the Vauxhall and were about 20 feet in the air.

“I got dressed and tried to move my car away. I could open the doors but the smoke was coming through my car so badly I couldn’t get in.

“I got my disabled badge out but that was it.”

Married dad-of-two Samuel Teodoro, 26, a cleaner, was awoken by neighbour Mr Smitham because his Ford Focus was caught by the fire, melting the rear paintwork, bumper, light and number plate. He said: “I was shocked at what I saw and now I have a big problem because I need the car for work.

“I need to check how much the damage will cost but it is very annoying. The owner of the Corsa was in tears.”

Neighbour Terry Adams, 29, was woken up by his wife Christina after she heard six loud bangs.

Mr Adams, who did not have a car caught up in the fire, said: “I’ve never seen anything like it before.

“There weren’t any fireworks going off and it was just after midnight so I think it’s probably arson.”

Thames Valley Police said there was nothing to suggest that the fires were linked to any other incidents.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.