At least 10 people have been killed and 10 others injured after an explosion at a luxury ski resort in Switzerland.
The blast occurred at around 1.30am local time (12.30am GMT) in the Constellation Bar in the Alpine town of Crans-Montana.
The tragedy unfolded as revellers welcomed in the New Year at the bar, which is popular with tourists.
Images published by local media show a building engulfed in flames and emergency services nearby.
There are reports the blast may have been caused by fireworks - however police say this is yet to be confirmed.
More than 100 people were inside the building at the time, according to Swiss radio station Rhone FM.
A witness added that 'countless' ambulances and several helicopters raced to the scene.
'There has been an explosion of unknown origin,' Gaetan Lathion, a police spokesman in Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland said.
'There are several injured, and several dead.'
'The intervention is still ongoing,' they added.
A doctor in the Swiss air ambulance and rescue service said hospitals are 'overwhelmed with burn victims' in comments made to local media.
Crans-Montana is a luxury ski resort town located in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
It is approximately two hours from the Swiss capital of Bern and is popular with British tourists.
Police said a no-fly zone is in place over the resort and the area remains completely cordoned off.
'The fire started around 1.30am this morning in a bar called "Le Constellation,"' Lathion said.
'More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.'
There are 'numerous' police, fire and rescue services responding to the 'many' people affected, a statement said.
A major emergency response is still in progress.
'We're just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renown ski resort with lots of tourists,' Lathion said.
A helpline and reception centre has been set up for families seeking information about loved ones.
Swiss police have scheduled a press conference for 9am UK time to give further updates.
The Constellation Bar has a capacity of up to 300 people and has a small terrace.
Its normal closing time is 2.00am local time, which would have been 30 minutes after the fire began.
It is unclear if it was due to stay open later for New Year's Eve celebrations.
Hospitals in western Switzerland are under severe strain due to burn victims, and have released an appeal to the public: 'Please show solidarity and refrain from risky activities on January 1.'
Crans-Montana is a large ski resort that is home to 87 miles of mountain trails.
The community is in the heart of the Swiss Alps, just 25 miles north of the Matterhorn.
At the end of this month, it is due to host the FIS World Cup - a prestigious speed skiing competition.
This is a breaking news story - more to follow
