A SMOKE alarm saved an Oxford resident after food in his microwave oven caught fire early today.

Fire crews were called to Sandy Lane, shortly before 3.20am, after a neighbour heard the alarm.

Crews from the Slade and Rewley Road fire stations discovered a small fire in a microwave. Crews then woke the owner and led him to safety.

Firefighter Justin Kamphuis said: "I am convinced that without the detector the result would have been a fully-developed fire with quite different consequences."

For further information on fire safety in the home call 08000 325 999.