Three people have been injured in a blast at an Aberdeenshire hotel

Emergency services are attending the scene at the Drumtochty Arms Hotel in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire.

Three people were hurt in the explosion, which happened at the rear of the hotel at about 5.30pm.

Grampian Police said the building had partially collapsed in the blast and it appeared to be linked to a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder.

Efforts are underway to establish if there is anyone still in the premises.

Inspector Gordon Nicoll, of Grampian Police, said: "Three people have been injured. At the moment we cannot give any indication as to the seriousness of their injuries."

He added that the injured were expected to be taken to either Aberdeen Royal Infirmary or Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.