© Sky News
Emergency services at the scene of the blast
An investigation has been launched after a suspected gas explosion at a hotel in Scotland in which three people were seriously hurt.

Emergency services were called to the Drumtochty Arms Hotel in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire at about 5.30pm.

One person had to be rescued from a roof skylight following the "significant" blast.

Police said a man in his 20s, another in his 50s and a woman were taken by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

It is thought they may have been drinking at the hotel bar. Their conditions are not believed to be life-threatening.

Grampian Police said the building had partially collapsed in the explosion, which appeared to be linked to a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder.

A police spokeswoman said they believed everyone in the hotel, in the village of Auchenblae, had been accounted for.

A local resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I was sitting in my house, and I heard a massive bang and the whole house shook.

"I went outside later and it was like a circus, with an ambulance, police and fire engines."

William Barry, who lives a few doors down from the hotel, said: "Everybody was standing at their doors to see what was going on.

"I myself felt the house shake but I had no idea what was happening."

Mr Barry said the pub had recently been renovated and he believed it had been due to start serving food this week.