Images shared online show a huge cloud of smoke billowing above the city.

The fire in Hamburglive

The fire in Hamburg (Image: X / ChanasitJonas)

A huge fire has erupted in the city of Hamburg, Germany, after a reported explosion. Images shared online show thick grey plumes of smoke billowing above the city's skyline.

According to local reports, shrapnel was thrown from the scene and the fire department responded with several fire engines. Police have closed both directions of the A1 motorway due to fires and flying metal debris. The warehouse is thought to be on Müggenburger Straße in the district of Veddel at the harbour. 

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7 mins ago16:13 Sarah Barltrop

View from across the harbour

Pictures from a different angle show the smoke blowing over the river in Hamburg from the harbourside.

13 mins ago16:07 Sarah Barltrop

More videos from the scene

Videos shared on X show the scale of the smoke. 

18 mins ago16:02 Sarah Barltrop

Road closed in both directions

The road is closed in both directions and drivers are being diverted through official routes.

Drivers from the north are being sent via A24 or B5, and drivers from the south are being directed via A255, B75, and B5.

road closed - sign and barrier on a residential street for construction

(Image: Getty)

20 mins ago16:00 Sarah Barltrop

Police confirm 'major' fire

Another police update has just come in, confirming a "major" fire.

It said: "Due to the major fire, there is heavy smoke development!

"We are currently on site with a large contingent of police and fire department forces.

"Please avoid the area widely and steer clear of the region!"

24 mins ago15:56 Sarah Barltrop

Update from local police

Hamburg police has asked everyone to avoid the area.

It said in a statement: "Due to several small fires and the resulting debris flight, the A1 between Norderelbe and Moorfleet is fully closed in both directions."

It added: "We are currently on site with a large contingent of police and fire department forces. Please avoid the area widely!"

30 mins ago15:50 Sarah Barltrop

Huge plumes of smoke

Photos shared online show the city covered in billowing thick grey smoke.

The German caption posted one minute ago reads: "Right now, warehouse? Harbour for sure"

32 mins ago15:48 Sarah Barltrop

Multiple explosions heard

Multiple explosions were heard from inside the warehouse at around 3.31pm local time, before smoke enveloped neighbouring areas, according to German media outlet, Bild.

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