Five in hospital and one unaccounted for after hotel blaze

One person remains unaccounted for after a serious fire broke out at a hotel overnight.

Nine adults and three children were evacuated from the Belgrave House Hotel in Aberystwyth, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.

Five people were taken to hospital as a precaution after the blaze broke out at about 2am.

Residents living nearby were also evacuated after the blaze spread to adjacent properties.

"Attending crews were met with a well-developed fire and rescued nine adults and three children from the affected property," a fire service spokeswoman said.

"At present one person remains unaccounted for.

"The fire has spread to adjoining properties and the fire service are currently working hard to prevent further fire damage.

"Residents from adjoining properties have been evacuated to alternative accommodation."

The brigade said 12 fire appliances were at the scene, including three aerial appliances, a high-volume pumping unit and a unmanned drone.

The spokeswoman added: "The cause of the fire is unknown; however, a joint investigation by the fire service and Dyfed Powys Police will take place in due course.

"Public Health Wales have requested local residents to keep doors and windows shut and to turn off air conditioning units.

"Ceredigion County Council have closed a number of roads in the vicinity of the property whilst the incident is ongoing."