Police are continuing their investigation into an arson attack on a pub in South Oxford.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at the Berkshire House pub, in Abingdon Road, at about 2am yesterday.

The fire destroyed the kitchen and severely damaged three ground-floor rooms, just as a new landlord was about to take over the Greene King pub, which closed on February 18.

Vicky Brandon, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: “We are continuing to investigate the arson at the Berkshire House pub. So far, no arrests have been made.”

Greene King has pledged to reopen the pub as soon as renovation work is complete.