A large fire has broken out at an apartment block in a Majorcan holiday resort.

At least five people are said to have been injured and others are reportedly trapped inside the building.

The blaze broke out at around 6.45pm local time on the first floor of a five-storey block of flats in Playa de s'Arenal on Majorca's southern coast, just over four miles from the island airport.

Police, paramedics and firefighters raced to the scene after receiving several reports of a fire.

The initial calls said there were several people trapped inside the building.

Some of the callers were lifeguards at the beach who saw a plume of black smoke rising from the building into the air.

Local media are reporting that 'four or five' people who were unable to exit the apartment block have gone up onto the roof to make it easier for them to be rescued.

At least three people are understood to have suffered smoke inhalation although the fire is believed to have been brought under control.

Images from the scene show dozens of people standing in the street filming as emergency services respond to the fire. At least two ambulances are at the scene.  

However, it is not yet clear whether any tourists are involved or what their nationalities are.

Playa de s'Arenal marks the southeastern end of the continuous Playa de Palma beach. 

It is split between the municipalities of Palma and Llucmajor.