Two people were taken to hospital following a chemical incident at a hotel spa in Oxford. Emergency services were called to the Randolph Hotel shortly after 13:00 BST on Thursday when an alarm was triggered inside the building.

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed that the two individuals experienced breathing difficulties and were treated for chemical exposure at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Their condition has not been disclosed.

Fire crews evacuated staff and guests as a precaution while specialist teams investigated the source of the chemical fumes. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the hotel was able to reopen at around 15:30 once the area was deemed safe.

The Randolph Hotel, a 150-year-old landmark known for its gothic architecture, briefly suspended operations during the incident. The property has a notable history, including a major fire in 2015 that damaged three floors and led to a £6.5m renovation.

The hotel is also famous for its recurring appearances in the long-running TV detective series Inspector Morse, cementing its status as one of Oxford’s best-known historic buildings.