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A huge fire has broken out at the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris.

Images from the scene show thick smoke billowing into the sky as police evacuate the area.

Initial reports claim the fire is related to a protest in the area, although this has not been confirmed by authorities.

Roads in the area have been closed and public transport is not running a normal service.

Firefighters at the scene were also reportedly being prevented from accessing the scene by protesters who set cars, scooters and rubbish alight, it is claimed.

Have you been affected by the fire? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk

The fire is located near the AccorHotel Arena and protests are said to be in relation to a performance being held this evening, reports Le Parisien.

The publication reports violence was sparked after the arrival of Congolese singer Fally Ipupa - who has previously had performances cancelled in the French capital over fears of demonstrations.

The 42-year-old is a big supporter of Congolese president Felix Tshilombo, and there is a large opposition movement against him based in Paris.

Congolese singers in the past have had their concerts disrupted by protesters opposed to the Democratic Republic of Congo political regime.

Fally Ipupa had another concert cancelled in 2017 after authorities found there was a risk of "serious disturbances to public order".

Astonishing images and from the scene show enormous smoke clouds filling the sky over high rise buildings in the area.

Disturbing video posted from the scene showed rioters preventing firefighters reaching blazes started around the station.

As the main fire intensified, the famous Big Ben-style clock tower on the corner of the Gare du Lyon was threatened.

It was built for the Paris World Exposition of 1900, and is considered a classic example of the architecture of its time.

The station also houses the ornate Train Bleu restaurant, which is hugely popular with British visitors to the capital.

Some people took to Twitter after seeing scenes appearing to show protesters clashing with emergency service workers.

Louis Riel said: "This incredible fire in the heart of the capital of France along the Gare du Lyon is actually due to a brawl between Congolese for a story of a rapper."

A spokesman for the Paris Police Prefecture said there had been 30 arrests around the Gare de Lyon by 8pm, and 54 formal warnings issued against people taking part in an illegal demonstration.

According to Paris police HQ, the fire has been brought under control, reports BFM TV.

The police tweeted than "unacceptable abuses" were taking place in the Bercy sector of the city.

They said: "Unacceptable abuses take place in the #Bercy sector on the sidelines of a concert. #FDOs intervene immediately and systematically to end it."

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.