Two people were left with serious injuries and had to be doused with water after an explosion at a Walton pub.

The men, both in their 30s, suffered burns to their arms and faces after the propane explosion at the Wellington in High Street at about 5pm on Saturday.

They were taken by ambulance to St George’s Hospital in Tooting as a priority.

Witnesses said the men had to be “hosed down” on the street.

Fire crews later said they used bottled water to keep their injuries cool before paramedics arrived.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We sent two cars and an ambulance to the scene.

“They both suffered burns to their arms and faces.

“The injuries were quite nasty and they would have been in a lot of pain.”

Firefighters from Walton, Sunbury, Esher, Painshill and Chertsey, which brought its aerial ladder platform, were called to scene.

Andy Beggs, watch commander at Walton fire station, said the fire started on the roof of the three-storey building.

He said: “The building was undergoing restoration work and is three floors, with the pub on the ground floor.

“The incident affected the second floor and the roof.”

Surrey Police assisted with road closures in the immediate area including Terrance Road, Churchfield Road and Ashley Park Avenue.

Pedestrians and motorists were advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes.

It has not yet been confirmed why the propane canister exploded.