Two fire engines were called to a house fire in Beatrice Drive, Banbury yesterday afternoon that started while the owner was cooking.

The incident was first reported at 4.18pm. Officers arrived at the scene to find thick black smoke coming from the annexe at the rear of the house.

Two officers entered the building and extinguished the flames using hoses.

Incident Commander Watch Manager David Edge said: “This fire  was caused by the home owner becoming distracted whilst cooking.  a common cause of fires.

"Fortunately the fire crews quickly extinguished  the fire and prevented  it from spreading to other parts of the building. 

"This is a good reminder to everyone to test your smoke alarms and to try and avoid being distracted whilst cooking.”