EMERGENCY services are tackling a fire at a traveller site.
Both the fire service and police have been seen at The Paddocks in Bampton since approximately 9.15am this morning.
One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing a ‘plume of black acrid smoke coming from the site at 9am this morning’.
The resident added that they could see more than 20 fire personnel at the site.
READ MORE: Traveller caravan site is a 'fire and Covid risk'
The blaze follows news that the site is in breach of planning regulations because there are too many caravans at most of its pitches.
That led to officials warning the site is so overcrowded that it could contribute to the spread of Covid-19 and is a fire hazard.
Concerns about the safety risks at the site were revealed at a West Oxfordshire District Council meeting in December.
Plumes of smoke coming off the fire
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said the force was at the scene, but has now left.
The spokesperson added there is no suggestion that a police investigation will be required at this stage.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for a comment.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel