Firefighters were called to tackle a blaze in a building in the centre of Oxford yesterday.

The fire started on the first floor of the Gay and Lesbian Centre in St Michael's Street.

An investigation is being carried out but firefighters believe the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette which had smouldered in the women's toilet since the previous night when a function had been held.

The fire service was called at 11.40am and three appliances from Rewley Road Fire Station attended and one from Slade Fire Station.

Firefighters used a hydraulic platform to get into the building through the roof and broke down the door of a neighbouring building to gain access.

A new piece of equipment - the Typhoon Smoke Extrication Unit, similar to a large fan - was also used to blow smoke out of the building.

There was severe smoke damage to neighbouring properties but no injuries.

Station officer Nick Bateman said the fire had been contained because doors in the building had been closed.