Neighbours reacted with shock after two homes in Jericho were targeted in what detectives are treating as a suspected arson attack.

Houses in Kingston Road and Plantation Road had burning material thrown through their letterboxes in the early hours of this morning.

Two people – the occupants of the Kingston Road property – remain in hospital, where they are being treated for burns.

One neighbour in Plantation Road, a man who had lived in the area most recently for two-and-a-half years, said of the incident: “It saddens me greatly. Would you like burning material put through your letterbox?”

“It’s absolutely frightening,” said another woman – a resident of 10 years.

Another neighbour said he and his wife had slept through it.

READ MORE: Neighbours help save people from house fire

Detectives continue to investigate the suspected arson attacks, which took place at around 2.45am.

In an appeal for witnesses, Det Insp James Mather of Oxford CID said: “We are appealing to anyone who might have seen or heard either or both of these two incidents to contact us.

“We are also asking anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage to check for any footage that could help this investigation.

“We want to reassure members of the public that Thames Valley Police takes all attacks such as this extremely seriously, and are conducting a thorough investigation.”

He said there would be an increased police presence in the area.

Information can be reported to Thames Valley Police via the non-emergency number 101, through the force’s website or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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