ALL children and staff were evacuated from a day nursery in Oxfordshire that was engulfed in flames last night.

Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Services confirmed that nobody was injured in the blaze that started on the third floor of Smart Tots Day Nursery and Pre-School at 5pm in the centre of Banbury.

Four fire crews from Banbury, Hook Norton and Deddington along with a hydraulic platform from Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service attended the incident on Horse Fair.

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Firefighters extinguished the flames and prevented the blaze to spread to the neighbouring Grade I listed St Mary's Church.

Concerned passers-by shared terrifying photos of the building engulfed in sky-high flames.

A donation for the nursery was swifty organised after it was reported that they had lost toys, books and clothes in the incident.

Oxford Mail:

Staff at Smart Tots were also praised for their 'quick thinking' and getting the children.

Incident commander Matt Chapman confirmed that the fire had now been extinguished, and the roof and loft of the building were damaged.

Banbury Fire Station manager Dave Edge said: "This was a significant incident where the fire in the roof quickly took hold. 

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"I want to praise staff at the nursery for their quick actions in evacuating the children which of course is the most important priority in a fire like this.  

"Although there is significant damage to the roof, I am very proud of how the crews tackled the blaze and the fact that there was no spread to the neighbouring properties shows how well trained our crews are."

All fire appliances have left the incident, however, an investigation into the cause is now taking place.

Anyone who wishes to donate to Smart Tots can do it here.