The Foreign Office has updated its guidance for people visiting France following an explosion in Paris that has left at least 29 people injured.
Smoke was seen soaring over monuments in the French capital after the blast went off at Paris' Left Bank. Around 270 firefighters rushed to the scene to control the flames and 70 emergency vehicles attended.
Nearby buildings were evacuated and authorities have said the cause of the blast has not been determined. The explosion happened near the historic Val de Grace military hospital.
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As the Liverpool Echo reports, the façade of a building in the 5th arrondissement, or district, collapsed and emergency services were working to determine if anyone was still inside, police added.
With this, the Foreign Office has warned UK travellers to avoid the area.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said the building where the explosion occurred was a private school, the Paris American Academy, which was founded in 1965 and offers teaching in fashion design, interior design, fine arts and creative writing.
BBC reports that the fire has been contained but 29 people have been injured, four of which are in critical condition.
Following the incident, the Foreign Office has issued the following update to UK travellers: "On 21 June, an explosion and large fire occurred in the 5th Arrondissement in central Paris. Avoid the area and follow the advice of local authorities.
"If you require consular support, call the British Consulate in Paris on +33 (0)1 44 51 31 00."
