Images: PA Wire

There are reports that 12 people have been injured after an apartment block partially collapsed in New York City.

Early reports suggest there was a gas explosion in the building in the East Village area of the city, on Second Avenue. This then apparently led to the fire starting in one building before spreading to another.

The New York Fire Department has uploaded this video of firefighters battling the blaze

Flames engulfed a large section of the structure as the fire brigade battled the blaze.

The BBC reports that emergency services responded to calls at approximately 19.15 (15.15 local time) following reports of an explosion.

250 fire fighters are on the scene