Oxford city centre nightclub fire sees man arrested

The incident occurred at around 10.45pm on Wednesday night when a bin near Frewin Court and Cornmarket Street was allegedly set alight.

This fire then spread to a neighbouring property, which was formerly the Cellar nightclub.

An eyewitness to the blaze said: “Around 10.45pm on my way home from work, I witnessed quite a big fire, just off Cornmarket Street, down Frewin Court.

“The flames were quite high, with crowds gathering to watch before fire crews arrived and police cordoned off the area.

The emergency services at the scene on Thursday. (Image: Newsquest)

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“It looked like it was coming from the old entrance to the cellar.”

Thames Valley Police confirmed on Thursday afternoon that a 37-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to the incident.

The building, which closed as Cellar in March 2019, suffered “extensive damage” in the blaze according to the director of nearby nightclub Plush.

The fire at Frewin Court on Wednesday night. (Image: Emily K)

Nightclub director Stuart Hayles said: “The fire was not actually at Plush.

“The belongings of a rough sleeper, which were in the doorway of the old Cellar nightclub, were on fire at around 10.30pm last night.

“Extensive damage was caused to the cellar nightclub entrance and I believe that the building above suffered some smoke damage. However, this is two buildings away from Plush, and did not affect us at all.”

The police cordon was in place on Thursday at Frewin Court. (Image: Newsquest)

Emergency services returned to the area the following afternoon due to a separate medical incident nearby.

Police officers, a fire engine and an ambulance could all be seen at around 1pm on Thursday while Frewin Court was cordoned off.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: "This relates to a patient suffering a medical episode.

"The firefighters were conducting a safety inspection nearby and stopped to assist, and the police presence is due to it occurring in a public place."

The scene on Cornmarket Street on Thursday afternoon. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Hayles added: “The entirety of Frewin Court was closed off today to allow for police and the fire service to carry out forensic examinations, which have now been completed.

“Frewin Court is back open to the public, although so far no sign of anyone from the council to clear way the charred rubbish. 

“Thankfully, we will be open as normal tonight and are unaffected by the fire that took place in a different building last night.”

The police cordon was lifted at around 2.20pm and officers appealed to the public for more information.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “Anybody with any information or who believes they witnessed this is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting the reference number 43240153023.”