A CANAL boat escaped without serious damage after it caught fire next to Oxford Station.

Firefighters were called to Roger Dudman Way, which runs alongside the railway tracks, at 6.29pm on Friday after a member of the public was alerted by the owner's smoke alarms sounding.

Crews from Rewley Road, Kidlington, and Slade Fire Station attended the incident and on arrival were faced with an established fire in the rear of the boat.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly gained access and extinguished the fire, which was in danger of spreading through the boat.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's specialist fire investigation team is currently liaising with Thames Valley Police to establish the cause of the blaze.

Watch manager Richard Woodward, from Red Watch Rewley Road, revealed the early alert was crucial in ensuring the fire was contained.

He said: “Thankfully a very early call to emergency services from a passer-by saved this boat from far worse damage, after they were alerted by the owners smoke alarms sounding.”