A man who admitted carrying out an arson attack on his home, while his family were inside, has been detained at a psychiatric hospital.

Andrew Rushton, 37, of Manzell Road, Caversfield, Bicester, pleaded guilty to reckless arson on May 8 at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

It is alleged he set fire to the stairwell and gas meter while his wife Susan, and three children were in the house.

Rushton also admitted charges of common assault on the same date against his wife and his elder daughter.

He denied attempting to strangle his wife with intent to help commit arson, and attempting to suffocate his daughter with intent.

Peter Ross, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant and his wife were in the midst of divorce proceedings when a series of incidents took place at their home. He said Mrs Rushton was woken by her elder daughter, who had smelled gas.

She went downstairs to open doors and windows.

They were allegedly attacked by Rushton who closed the windows and doors before taking matches or a lighter from a kitchen drawer.

Mr Ross said Rushton went to a cupboard which housed the gas meter and struck a match, engulfing himself, his wife and son in a fireball.

The case was adjourned for further medical reports. Rushton was bailed to Littlemore Hospital, Oxford.