A TOWN council said it is “extremely disappointed” by a fire that was alleged left burning overnight in a park.

Witney Town Council said it had been sent pictures and videos of a fire that had reportedly been left burning in the Ducklington Lake and Country Park.

On Facebook, the town council said: “Having seen the devastation left by the wildfires in London yesterday, how quickly the flames ran through the parched grass and how long they were out of control, we feel this has been a lucky escape.

Witney Gazette: The fire at the park in Witney (Credit: Witney Town Council, Facebook)The fire at the park in Witney (Credit: Witney Town Council, Facebook)

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“The lake area has some desperately dry grass and trees surrounding it and the area is not far from houses, a farm and industrial units.

Witney Gazette: The fire at the park in Witney (Credit: Witney Town Council, Facebook)The fire at the park in Witney (Credit: Witney Town Council, Facebook)

This could very easily have led to the loss of lives, homes and business premises along with one of our town's precious green spaces with all its wildlife habitats and biodiversity.”

The council said it has reported this “shocking incident” to the police.

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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