AN elderly couple were forced to flee their home after finding their garden hedge had gone up in flames.

Derek and Pat Jones were relaxing watching television at home in Cowper Close in Bicester on Monday night when a frantic neighbour knocked on their door.

The couple went out into their garden to find about 30 foot of hedgerow and fencing was alight, with smoke billowing from the top.

Retired printer Mr Jones, 80, said: "I felt a bit sick actually when I saw it. I just wondered who could do that kind of damage.

"It really upset my wife as well when we saw it.

"Luckily the fire service arrived quickly but that was probably because our neighbours will have rung them already."

Waking up the next morning the pair, who have lived in the house for 12 years, found the pavement had been covered with ash.

Mr Jones added: "It was lucky that there wasn't anymore damage. It is not a very nice smell either."

Thames Valley Police spokesman Gareth Ford-Lloyd said the police were called at about 11.45pm on Monday night and that they believe the fire may have been started deliberately.

Town councillor Les Sibley, who lives in nearby Derwent Lane, said he thought someone might have started the fire in a rage after watching England's Euro 2016 loss against Iceland on television.

He added: "It doesn't matter what else is happening in the world, there is no reason at all to do this.

"It must have been quite frightening for the couple. This is unnecessary and shameful and I hope the people who did this come back and apologise."

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said crews also helped deal with a car that was found on fire nearby, though it is not clear if the two incidents are linked.

It is the second time in a week that fire crews have been called to Browning Drive.

Last Wednesday an owner was forced to flee from their bungalow after a set of curtains left on a lamp caused a fire.

Firefighters used a hose reel and air fan to remove smoke from the dining room.

Call 101 with any information.