A MAN is in hospital after an explosion at Oxford Castle this afternoon.

UPDATE: Malmaison say staff member suffered 'minor injury'

Firefighters say the gas boiler in the basement of the Malmaison hotel blew up and the man's injuries were 'not life threatening'. 

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue service said it was called at 3.30pm and three engines were on the scene 'quickly'. 

In a statement the crew said: "The incident involved a gas boiler in the basement of the hotel. There was an explosion which was contained to the basement boiler room.

ALSO READ: Firefighters tackle massive fire near Bicester

"One man who was in the room at the time is being treated by the ambulance service, his injuries are not thought to be life threatening."

An Oxford photographer, who was working at a wedding at the hotel, confirmed that a man had been taken to hospital.

Fire crews have since left the scene having isolated the gas and checking for leaks. 

READ AGAIN: Oxford average temperature rises 1.5C as hot years increase

Station Manager Darran Hookway, from Kidlington, said: "Thanks to an early call made to the fire service and partnership working with the Police and Ambulance services we were able to make the situation safe very quickly."

Thames Valley Police is looking into the cause of this explosion.

The Oxford Mail attempted to contact the Malmaison for comment but no one from the hotel picked up the phone.