FIRE crews were called to an Oxford tower block during the evening rush hour due to a fault in the fire alarm system.

UPDATE: City Council says alarm 'triggered by smokers'

The incident at Plowman Tower in Northway, on Monday night closed roads and forced buses to divert.

Residents reported seeing three fire engines at the foot of the tower as well as ambulances and police cars on the scene.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Paul Smith has now confirmed the call was a connected to a fault.

He said rumours that the system has been triggered deliberately were 'not right'.

Oxford Bus Company was able to serve Northway again at 6.35pm.