Paris fire: Blaze rages on top floor of building as thick smoke billows into the sky

A major fire has broken out in the centre of Paris, France. The blaze is in the second district of Paris at the corner of Rue du Sentier and Rue des Jeneurs.

The building where the fire has broken out contains apartments as well as shops on the ground floor.

Images of the blaze show the top floor of a building engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing skywards.

Firefighters have set up a security perimeter and are working to contain the fire.

French journalist for Valeurs, Amaury Brelet, reported on X: "A fire broke out on rue du Sentier in the 2nd in Paris this Saturday afternoon, a police source told Valeurs.

"Results: Two people in relative emergency and two others slightly intoxicated. The fire, once brought under control, could be linked to a textile trade."

The shocking incident comes as Paris prepares to get its 2024 Olympic Games underway on Friday July 26.

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, but the sporting action begins on Wednesday July 24 with pool matches in football, rugby sevens, handball and archery.

The ceremony will take place on the River Seine, which has had to be cleaned out before the games get underway.