A cycling arsonist has started four fires in Banbury leaving the High Street closed, police have said

At about 2.15am, three ATMs in High Street were set alight causing damage to the buildings although no money was stolen.

The three banks targeted were Santander, Yorkshire Bank and Lloyds.

A short time later, Freemasons Hall in nearby Marlborough Road was also set alight.

All four fires were believed to have been started deliberately using petrol.

The fire service dealt with all the fires and nobody was injured.

High Street has been closed while the police and fire service carry out their investigations.

The offender is described as male and wearing a floppy fishing hat, baggy jeans and a dark coat. He was riding a dark bicycle and had a carrier bag.

Anyone with information about the incidents or who recognise the offender is asked to contact Sgt Tim Robinson or the duty sergeant at Banbury via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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