TWO men have been arrested in Botley after an attempted break-in at the site of a new shopping centre. 

Police were called to the building site, behind Elms Parade, at 11.36pm last night upon receiving reports that people were trying to get in. 

When officers arrived at the scene, two men were located, police said.

Two 18-year-old men, both from Oxford, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary of a business in connection with the incident.

They remained in police custody this afternoon. 

Thames Valley Police South and Vale thanked 'vigiliant' members of the public for raising the alarm. 

Work finally began on the much-delayed shopping centre, to be known as Westway Place, a year ago when the old structures of the 1960s West Way complex were torn down. 

The first phase of the redevleopment, which includes a new 123 bed hotel, is expected to be finished by next summer, while the second and third phase should begin work by the end of this year.

Plans also include new flats, shops and student accommodation.