A tweet by broadcaster Tgr Rai Lombardi said the fire had taken hold at thebuilding, in Antonini in the southern outskirts of the city. It added: "Dozens of people rescued. It's checking to see if anyone got trapped."

       Dramatic footage on social media showed vast quantities of thick black smoke billowing into the sky and fierce flames raging.

       A tweet by the Milan fire bridage shared a clip shot from its helicopter, adding: "Skyscraper fire: flames under control.

       "Our teams are advancing from the inside to the upper floors of the building.

       "There are 15 vehicles used, over 50 firefighters. Images of the aerial reconnaissance from the helicopter."

       The fire was first reported at 4.30pm GMT.

       An earlier tweet said the fire had apparently begun in the upper storeys before travelling downwards.

       It is not yet clear whether anyone remains trapped inside the building, which is known as Torre dei Moro.

       Howver, local reports have suggested ambulances are on the scene.

       Beppe Salla, Milan's Mayor, told Milano Today: "For now we have no reports of victims or injured.

       "About 20 people have left without problems now the firefighters enter house by house breaking down the doors to see if anyone has remained inside.

       “We are positive about the fact that there was time for everyone to go out but until the control is not done we cannot be sure.”

       (More to follow)