A delicatessen which was forced to close in the run-up to Christmas following an arson attack is expected to be out of action for at least another three weeks.

Eggs Eggsetera, in Botley Road, Oxford, had to shut its doors at its busiest time of year, after a fire was deliberately started at the back of the store on December 8.

The shop had already been badly affected by the closure of Botley Road during the July floods, making the arson attack the second blow to trading in less than six months.

Owner Joe Devlin said: "We don't know exactly when we can reopen because we are still waiting for decisions from the insurance company.

"It is unfortunate how it has fallen over Christmas and I would think we won't be able to reopen until the third week of this month - six weeks after it happened. It's been a bit of a nightmare really."

Due to smoke damage, all the shop's stock had to be thrown out because of the risk of contamination. Damage is expected to cost up to £16,000.

The fire started within some refrigeration units - which alone cost £7,000 to replace. Mr Devlin, who has run the delicatessen with his wife, Linda, for 22 years, said: "I am insured for loss of earnings but that is not the issue. I want to get the door open as soon as possible.

"We don't know where our trade has gone - and whether it will come back."

But he is confident the delicatessen will survive.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the arson and are keen to trace a white man, 5ft 8in tall, of chunky build, who was wearing a blue top and jeans.

The attack took place between 2.15am and 3am on December 8, towards the rear of the shop and police are keen to speak to anyone who saw anyone behaving suspiciously in the area at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.