FIREFIGHTERS battled a kitchen fire in Bicester on Friday evening. 

Crews from Bicester and Oxford arrived at Southwold Estate just after 8pm to discover a fire which occurred from a malfunctioned oven. 

Flames had already spread to the cabinet and worktop but the firefighters swiftly removed the smoking oven and hob, and cut away the damaged areas.

The fire had also reached the gas pipe which was quickly isolated.

Fortunately, the homeowners were in the room when the accident happened and were able to leave and call 999 immediately.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Services said the incident 'shows the importance of being vigilant when cooking, and also of having working smoke alarms'.