Police have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack after a man had to be rescued from his Oxford flat.

Firefighters were called to a flat above a shop in Windmill Road, Headington, at about 2am yesterday. The man — who has not been identified — dialled 999 after being woken up by his smoke alarm.

Firefighters had to rescue him through a window.

He was taken to the nearby John Radcliffe Hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

Fire crew manager Shaun Betts from the Slade Fire Station, in Horspath Driftway, said: "The fire was not large, but generated a lot of toxic smoke, which could have been fatal."

Dc Matt Welsch of Oxford CID, who is investigating the fire, was unsure what time the fire was started.

He said: "We would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area of the Somerfield supermarket, or the corner of Old High Street and London Road on Tuesday night or in the small hours of yesterday. A group of young women were seen in the area earlier on and we would particularly like to trace them.”

Anyone with information should contact Dc Welsch on 08458 505505, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.