FIAZ Munshi has taken the witness stand to deny involvement in an arson attack that killed two children 17 years ago.

The 38-year-old denies murdering Anum Khan, eight, and her brother Majid, 15, in the house fire in Magdalen Road in August 1997.

She has taken the stand at Oxford Crown Court this morning as the defence case opens.

Her barrister Stephen Kamlish asked her if she had been involved in the attack and what she thought of those who did it.

She said: "I have got nothing to do with this fire. I think they are evil and sick to do something like that. I would never do something so evil as this."

Munshi also told the jury her children thought she was abroad with her parents.

And she said she did not like being on trial, adding: "I don't feel like a human. I feel like I'm in a zoo."

The trial continues.