A MOTORCYCLE caught fire in the early hours in Osney Island's West Street, in West Oxford.

Resident Max Mulvany, 25, an artist who lives opposite the scene in Swan Street, was at home and awake at the time, when he heard "popping sounds".

He looked out his window and saw the motorcycle in "a big blaze". The fire spread to another motorcycle parked nearby.

Mr Mulvany said: "There were people moving their cars and some throwing water in it.

"I called fire services and they attended within fifteen minutes.

"The owner looked very upset."

Residents moved their cars out of the neighbouring parking bays just in time before the first motorcycle exploded, Mr Mulvany added.