Thames Valley Police is investigating a potential arson at a supermarket giant store in Oxford after firefighters sprung into action last night (August 30).

Firefighters and fire engines were seen outside Tesco on Cowley Road at around 9pm.

A temporary cordon was put in place around Tesco and Cowley Road was closed off to traffic.

READ MORE: Oxford Tesco: Fire service rush to Cowley Road incident

Oxford Mail: Firefighters at the Tesco on Cowley RoadFirefighters at the Tesco on Cowley Road (Image: Contributed)

Thames Valley Police has confirmed officers were called to a “potential arson” and the incident continues to be investigated. 

Three fire engines were sent from Rewley Road and Slade fire stations.

A spokesman for the fire service said a small fire was extinguished in the doorway using a hose reel jet and firefighters left the scene at 10.10pm.

Large crowds were seen gathering outside the cordon put in place by the fire service and three fire engines were spotted at the scene by an eyewitness.

An eyewitness named Memz told the Oxford Mail: “The firefighters cordoned off the area in front of the store.

“Tesco staff told me it was a possible fire at the backdoor.”

READ MORE: Oxfordshire MP promoted in Rishi Sunak's mini reshuffle

Oxford Mail: Police put a road closure in placePolice put a road closure in place (Image: Contributed)

Buses were seen turning around in response to the cordon and the Oxford Bus Company reported that its 5, 5A and U5 services were using Iffley Road and Between Towns Road instead.

Stagecoach Oxfordshire reported that the road reopened at around 10.38pm.

Thames Valley Police has appealed to anyone with information to call 101 or make a report online using the reference number 43230389178.

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