Updated 1.18pm

FIRE SERVICES IN Oxfordshire were called to three blazes in the early hours of this morning.

The fires were started within nine minutes of each other on sites not more than 5 miles apart.

One of the buildings belongs to the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council.

The property was engulfed in flames for more than eight hours after what is believed to be a deliberate act.

“We believe it to be the result of arson, though that’s not clear at the moment,” council leader John Cotton told the BBC.

Sky News reports that 100 firefighters attended the scene.

The building looks to be completely decimated in dramatic scenes being broadcast by local media.

A 47-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently in custody.

The other two buildings which were set alight are very close to each other – and to the council building.

Emergency services received the first call at 3.11am about a fire at a thatched property in Rokemarsh. Just nine minutes later, two more calls were received by emergency services.

The third fire was started at a funeral parlour and was attended by four units.

“We are in the process of dealing with three major fires in South Oxfordshire, which occurred within a very short timeframe.

It is believed that there have been no injuries.