A CYCLING arsonist started four fires in Banbury yesterday, leaving High Street taped off by police.

Three cash machines in the street were set alight at about 2.15am, causing damage to the buildings although no money was stolen.

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

A short time afterwards Freemasons Hall in Marlborough Road was also set alight.

All the fires were believed to have been started deliberately using petrol, but the fire service extinguished them and nobody was injured.

The banks said they were cooperating with police investigations.

Santander was initially closed, but reopened later in the day.

Lloyds spokesman James Birch said: “We are aware of an incident that occurred at the Lloyds Bank branch in Banbury and are assisting police with their investigations.

“The ATM machine affected is currently being assessed for damage.”

The offender was described by police 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 should call police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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