Update after riot and armed police seen outside Witney flat

Dozens of officers were stationed outside a flat in Corn Street from the early hours of Tuesday, May 26.

Having initially reported the incident as a “fear for welfare” incident, Thames Valley Police has now said the incident involved alleged arson and criminal damage.

People living in the area were fearful over that something “sinister” had happened as police declined to give information on what had happened initially.

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On Friday afternoon, A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “We are investigating an arson and criminal damage incident at an address in Corn Street, Witney, at around 4.40am on Tuesday.

“A 43-year-old man from Witney was arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage. He has been released on police bail until 16 August.”

Witness Paul Howse said: “TVP shut many shops and access for many hours, and the huge resources that was present suggested something much more sinister.

“At one point there was five major incident ambulances, police mobile command unit, seven armed police, five riot police on full riot gear, two regular ambulances, one dog unit, one fire engine and a huge police presence.”