Seven people killed after fire rips through flat block in central Paris

Seven people have died after fire ripped through a flat block in central Paris.

The blaze broke out in an eight-storey building in the trendy 16th arrondissement – a tourist hotspot.

Another 24 people have been injured, including two firefighters.

News agency AFP quoted a fire service spokesman who confirmed seven people were killed.

Witnesses described how survivors had to scramble across rooftops to escape.

Two hundred firefighters battled to contain the flames during the early morning inferno.

Fire service spokesman Clement Cognon told AFP: "We had to carry out many rescues, including some people who had taken refuge on the roofs."

Emergency services were called at 3.30am local time (2.30am UK time).

The block on Erlanger Street was evacuated but firefighters are still at the scene.

Several surrounding buildings were also emptied.