Safety experts have issued a warning after a fondue set exploded during a family meal.

Seven people suffered burns to their hands, arms and faces following the incident at the Shedfield home of the former head of the Royal Navy, Sir Julian Oswald.

Ambulance crewws and firefighters rushed to the address in Botley Road after a small 220g gas cylinder attached to the butane powered set on the table exploded.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said that the festive holidays often sees an increase in accidents.

He said: "What is most important, particularly at this time of year when we are receiving all sorts of new products or using items that we haven't used for a while, is to read the instructions carefully."