THREE people had to flee a blaze at their home in Minster Lovell, near Witney, last night.

A fire broke out at the back of the large house at about 9.30pm, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

By the time fire crews arrived at the scene three people had escaped, but they had burns and were suffering from smoke inhalation.

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They were treated at the scene by firefighters and then taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital by ambulance.

No update on their condition has been given.

Fire crews from Witney, Burford and Oxford searched the property for more people, but the house was empty, and put out the fire using hosereel jets.

Station Manager Nick Bourke said: "The fire crews faced a challenging incident where it was initially believed that a number of residents were still inside the property and were faced with a developing fire to bring under control in a large property. 

"Due to the swift action of the crews they were able to quickly search the property and the blaze was very swiftly brought under control.  At this time the exact cause of this accidental fire is being investigated by our fire investigation team."