Fire extinguished at town centre cafe

A fire officer said smoke and flames were reported coming from the cafe

Fire crews have tackled a blaze at a town centre cafe.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to the 900 Cafe in St Mary's Street, Wallingford, at 07:23 GMT.

The cafe's owner, Gabby Andrea Matei, said he had been away on holiday for three weeks and had been due to reopen on Thursday.

An officer at the scene said crews managed to contain the blaze before it spread, and early investigations did not suggest the fire was suspicious.

Fire crews said the fire appeared to be accidental

A man working in a nearby building told the BBC he had seen officers "breaking in" to the cafe shortly after arriving.

Andy Ford, station manager with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said they had been called to reports of smoke and flames from the windows and roof.

"[Officers] managed to access the building very quickly, get up the stairs, and contain the fire to the first floor landing," he said.

He added "nothing suspicious" had been seen thus far, and there was no evidence to suggest "foul play".

Mr Matei said he was "very sad" and was unsure when he would be able to reopen.