BURGLARS who started three fires in a Banbury house may have been looking for jewellery, police said last night.

Shortly after a family left their home at Byeway, Grimsbury, on Saturday afternoon, the house was broken into and set on fire.

Police said the arsonists had started two fires in the kitchen and one in the lounge.

The bedrooms had been searched, but it is not known if anything was taken.

Det Insp Steve Duffy said: “There were a small number of burglaries in the later part of 2010, targeting families who kept wedding jewellery in their home. Setting fire to homes is rarely random and tends to have a motive based on some perceived grudge no matter how unreasonable that may be.

“I am pleased that in this latest incident crime prevention advice had been listened to and items of value were deposited at a bank, and no one was injured as a result of this reckless act.

“I urge the local community to remain calm and vigilant.”

Anyone with information should call Det Insp Duffy on 08458 505505.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.