Police are warning someone could die or suffer serious injuries after a spate of arson attacks, writes Paul Warner.

The Southwold Community Centre, in Holm Square, Bicester, was the latest to be targeted by arsonsts when it was torched in the early hours of yesterday morning.

A wheelie bin was set alight outside the front door and the flames spread to the roof space causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage.

Community groups, including the University of the Third Age and the Bubbles Pre-school, have been forced to look for a temporary new home, as the centre is expected to be shut for several months for repairs.

This incident followed another arson attack at the North Bicester Medical Centre a week ago just a few yards away in Holm Square.

A pile of burning rubbish was left under a mobile building, used as the doctor's surgery, severely damaging the floor. The surgery was closed for three days while repairs were carried out, and emergency cases had to be dealt with by other doctors in the town. Other fires over the past few weeks include a lorry full of flowers and plants which was destroyed in Proctor's yard on October 12 while a can of petrol was set alight in Leach Road a week ago.

Pc Bob Hooke, crime reduction officer for Bicester, said: "We need to track down these arsonists before either they or somebody else gets hurt."

Witnesses can ring Bicester police station on 01869 364520 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.