Five-star hotel in Oxford University damaged by fire, all guests evacuated

Source: Xinhua | April 18, 2015, Saturday |

Online Edition

A five-star hotel located in the center of Oxford University in Britain caught fire on Friday, leading to road closures and evacuation of all guests and staff, local police said Friday.

Officers were called at 16.37 BST (15.37 GMT) by the fire service to the McDonald Randolph Hotel, following reports of smoke coming from the roof of the building, the Thames Valley Police said in a statement.

The McDonald Randolph Hotel is a 150-year-old Victorian Gothic building in central Oxford city. It is opposite the Ashmolean Museum and close to the Oxford Playhouse.

The fire was believed to have started in the ground floor kitchen, but not deemed to be "suspicious."

"There has been a significant evacuation of guests and staff from the affected building and from adjoining buildings. All of the floors and rooms in the hotel have been searched and it is not believed that anyone remains inside the building," the Thames Valley Police said.

A number of roads nearby have been closed, including the Beaumont Street, the Magdalen Street and the St Giles'.

Road closures in the area remained in place in to the night, while officers were working to try to bring the city to normality "as quickly as possible."

Three people were checked by local ambulance service at the scene and did not require further medical attention, police said.

"Following a fire at the Randolph Hotel, a major incident has been declared. We are supporting our colleagues in Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who are at the scene," said Superintendent Christian Bunt, local policing area commander for Oxford.

"We are working hard to keep disruption to a minimum and would like to thank members of the public for their patience and their cooperation," he added.

South Central Ambulance Service and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were also present to help tackle the incident.

A diversion for cars and a diversion for taxis and buses were established via nearby roads. Motorists and pedestrians were advised to avoid the area due to the ongoing disruption.

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