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.”

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

Local reports have suggested ambulances are on the scene.

(More to follow)