A BLAZE at an abandoned three-storey home in Oxford’s Cowley Road was last night being investigated by police.

The fire led to smoke billowing across the street and closed the road for more than two hours.

Fire crews were called to the terraced property at about 3.45pm yesterday.

Ambulances and police also attended the scene near the Methodist Church.

Mum-of-11 Tina Smith, 44, said 10 of her children were in the family home next door to the blazing house.

She said she feared the flames could have spread, adding: “It frightens me just thinking about it. Especially with my kids in the house.”

She also said the smouldering property had been empty for more than five years.

At the time of going to press last night it was not clear how many, if any, people were in the house at the time of the blaze.

Picture: Antony Moore