The ongoing incident first started earlier this evening (Saturday, May 2) on Cowley Road in the city.

Thames Valley Police cars arrived at the scene along with several Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire engines.

Police officers cordoned off the scene with crime scene tape while firefighters tackled the smoke.

FOLLOW LIVE: Smoke billows from underground as police tape off Oxford street

Members of the public were warned to get back, away from the smoke, with many left scared of what was happening.

An onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, has told this newspaper: “I have never seen anything like this.

“I felt that flames would explode wider in the area; it is so scary.

“I don’t know if the black smoke could be toxic or harmful, so the rest of the public and I got a good distance away from the area quickly.

“When the incident happened, there was only one police car, but then the fire engines arrived not long after- they are so quick.

“Then more police cars came.”

Both Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for comment on the situation.

This three-bedroom detached house, Bailgate, is on the market for £625,000 and is said to be ideal for families.

The ‘beautifully presented’ home has a range of character features, including a sitting room with an inglenook fireplace, wooden flooring, and exposed ceiling beams.

There is a spacious dining room and a kitchen fitted with oak wall and base units, thoughtfully designed to meet modern needs.

On the ground floor, there is also a convenient cloakroom.

Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms and a contemporary shower room.

Outside, the rear garden has been landscaped with mature shrubs and includes a ‘delightful summer house’ with power and heating, which could be used as a home office or creative studio.

There is also a double garage and a workshop.

The property is situated in Swerford, a village located between Great Tew, Banbury, and Chipping Norton.

Nearby amenities in Hook Norton include a GP, dentist, primary school, post office, village store, butcher, and pubs.

The listing reads: “Bailgate is a beautifully presented cottage in a sought-after village, offering light-filled rooms and abundant character features throughout.”

The Didcot venue will showcase exhibitions, installations, and events throughout the building from Friday, May 1 to Saturday, May 30.

Featuring works in painting, sculpture, film, photography, ceramics, textiles, and mixed media, the programme explores themes of home, identity, and connection.

The gallery exhibition includes work by Amanda Benstead, Catherine Rye, Sue Chamberlin, and Lin Dewsnap.

Georgina Heritage, cabinet member for communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Cornerstone is a fabulous and welcoming community hub – you can see a show, take a class or just catch up over a coffee.

“The Artsweek Takeover is a great opportunity to discover Cornerstone, see something new, and connect with the stories behind the work.”

The auditorium will host SCRAPS, a queer art collective presenting its debut exhibition for one week.

Cornerstone has worked with Oxfordshire Artweeks for more than 15 years, but this is the first time it has hosted multiple exhibitions on this scale.

Esther Lafferty, festival director for Oxfordshire Artweeks, said: “We’re delighted to see such a wonderful collection of artists coming together at Cornerstone for Artweeks.

“We hope the skill and talent on display will remind visitors about the incredible creativity that is often hidden behind closed doors and that all they need is a little curiosity.”

Admission is free during Cornerstone’s opening hours, and further details are available on the venue’s website.