THESE dramatic pictures were taken by the fire service just 10 minutes apart and show the final moments of a 300-year-old barn.

The blaze happened at Wood Hill Lane in East Challow, near Wantage, at about 10.40pm on Wednesday. Arson is suspected.

By the time firefighters arrived, they were met with 60-foot flames and intense heat.

Crews on four fire tenders and a water carrier managed to save an adjacent barn and crops.

Watch Manager Tony Whiting said: “It is always a tragic loss when we are unable to save such wonderful buildings as this.

“It could have easily spread to the surrounding crops and buildings if we had not been called by quick-thinking neighbours.”

Police and the fire service are investigating the blaze.