Dubai fire: Blaze rips through Torch Tower skyscraper

A fire has raced through a building that was once the world's tallest residential block.

Footage shows debris falling from the Torch Tower as flames rip through the world's 32nd tallest building, with the fire spreading upwards sending burning debris spiralling down and sparking a blaze in the streets below.

Local officials say that the building has been "successfully evacuated" and that efforts are under way to get the blaze under control.

There are so far no reports of injuries. It is unclear how many people were in the building in the United Arab Emirates.

The Torch reportedly has 79 storeys and 676 apartments, with price tags starting from £376,000. It had been damaged in a fire in 2015.

People took to social media to express their concerns. Cara Spillane tweeted: "Terrifying to see Torch Tower, in the area I live in (Dubai Marina) on fire now.

"Hope everyone gets out OK."

Claire Hopkin said: "One of the skyscrapers near me is on FIRE!! Looks like Princess?? #dubai #dubaifire God! Hope everyone can get out. Scary seeing it!"

Rob Sheperd says it looks worse than the Dubai luxury hotel fire on New Year's Eve in 2015.

He tweeted: "People still escaping torch tower Dubai... building is well ablaze... looks worse than 2015 fire.

"Friends and relatives just escaping now."

The Dubai Media Office tweeted: "Dubai Civil Defence has successfully evacuated the Torch Tower and is working to bring the fire under control.

"Firefighting squads from 4 Civil Defence stations have been deployed to bring the fire under control & ensure safety of residents."