Staff and councillors were evacuated from County Hall in New Road Oxford this morning after a burnt croissant triggered a smoke alarm.

A full meeting of councillors was interrupted at 11.45am and the building was emptied as a precaution.

The smouldering croissant was located in a microwave oven in a kitchen area outside the office of chief executive Joanna Simons, according to chief fire officer John Parry.

A building manager dealt with the incident and firefighters were not called.

Councillors and staff were forced to remain outside the building for about 15 minutes.