AN ELDERLY man was taken to hospital after a microwave caught fire at his flat near Witney.

Fire crews from Burford, Witney and Rewley Road stations attended the incident at a home in Wenrisc Drive, Minster Lovell shortly after 10pm last night.

A microwave was on fire and crews quickly brought the blaze under control before an elderly man was treated by South Central Ambulance Service for minor smoke inhalation.

He was then transferred to hospital as a precaution.

Richard Woodward from Witney Fire Station has since issued a safety warning for house-holders to stay safe over Christmas. 

He said: “Although this was a small fire it has caused significant smoke damage through-out the property.

"I encourage everyone to not leave cooking or appliances in use unattended, especially at this time of year.

"Our Partners from South Central Ambulance Service were quickly on scene to assure and check the resident over, who is thankfully none the worse for their ordeal.

"Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind everyone that should a fire occur in the home, if in doubt, get out, stay out and call 999."