UP to 40 firefighters battled a blaze at a builders merchant and DIY shop in Milton-under-Wychwood yesterday.

Emergency services were called to Alfred Grove and Sons in Shipton Road shortly after 5am.

Six fire engines, along with ambulances and Thames Valley Police, attended the incident.

Shipton Road was closed in both directions until around 10am, while the fire was brought under control.

South Central Ambulance spokesman Gill Hodgetts said two ambulances were sent to the scene, but there had been no injuries.

The Alfred Grove and Sons company dates back to 1660, specialising in the renovation and refurbishment of period properties in the Cotswolds.

A spokesman yesterday said: “Everyone is ok, but the shop has been completely destroyed.

“It has been there a long time so it is sad.

“But everyone is ok so that is the main thing.

“We’ve no idea how it started.”