Arson investigation after 5G mast blaze shuts road

Police have launched an arson investigation after a 5G telephone mast caught fire, leading to a major road closure and the temporary suspension of part of Oxford's congestion charge.

At about 20:45 GMT on Thursday evening, an unidentified liquid was used to set light to the mast on the A40 near Cutteslowe Roundabout, Thames Valley Police said.

The force said the blaze was reported by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service after it was believed it could have been started deliberately.

The A40 eastbound has remained closed between Cutteslowe Roundabout and Marsh Lane since Thursday evening because of the incident.

Police said no-one had been injured and appealed for witnesses.

Oxfordshire County Council earlier said the A40 closure, on one of the city's busiest routes, had caused "severe delays" for traffic on surrounding roads.

This includes Marston Ferry Road, which is home to one of Oxford's six congestion charging points.

The charge point sees car drivers usually face a £5 fee to travel through it between 07:00 GMT and 09:00, and from 15:00 to 18:00, every Monday to Saturday.

But the council said due to the A40 closure, charges during Friday would not be enforced - a first for the congestion charge scheme that began in October.

It said any penalty charges would be cancelled, while those who paid the charge in advance or used a prepaid permit would be reimbursed.

The council added that the road was expected to reopen on Saturday, once the damaged mast had been removed and the carriageway made safe.

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.