A COUNCIL is investigating whether an overgrown tree blocked CCTV which could have filmed a suspected arson attack in Bicester.

The tree has been blamed for blocking the camera which overlooks the West Bicester Community Centre where a fire broke out on Tuesday.

The blaze ripped through storage area of the building, which houses Jack and Jill Pre-school, in Shakespeare Drive on Tuesday.

But pre-school staff say they have been told the street security camera was unable to catch anything as it just showed leaves.

Centre manager Vanessa Hathaway said online "There is a camera in the car park at Tesco on Shakespeare drive but it is covered by a tree.

"We have just had the fire at Jack and Jills Pre-school and obviously they couldn't check the cameras as all they can see is leaves."

The CCTV camera is on the opposite side of the road adjacent to the site and faces out towards the carpark of the community centre.

Cherwell District Council is now looking into the reported problem and spokeswoman Jemma Callow said: "We have done work on the tree in the past.

"But we have not received any requests to maintain or trim the tree from either the CCTV operators or the community centre itself.

"We will inspect the tree next week to review any possible interference and action accordingly."