The defence barrister of a man accused of murdering two people by burning down the derelict house where they were sleeping suggested at Oxford Crown Court the blaze may have been started accidentally.

James Cox, 63, of no fixed abode, denies killing Sian Sanchez, 36, and Howard Blake, 51, by deliberately starting a fire at Redbridge Cottage, Old Abingdon Road, in January last year.

Stephen Mejzner, defending, told the jury there were cigarette ends found lying around the property and a discarded cigarette could have caused the blaze. The trial continues.