Plumes of black smoke filled the sky above Vatican City following reports of an explosion at an auto garage.

Eyewitnesses spoke of seeing thick smoke rising next to the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church following a 'loud' bang.

The fire department in Palazzo Viminale would later release a video of a fire raging at a wrecking yard situated close to the Vatican walls.

Firefighters were shown battling the blaze as it tore through several cars and a crusher, while a nearby building was evacuated as a precaution.

The black smoke can be seen filling the sky near Vatican City, which is pictured on the left

Speaking on Twitter, eyewitness Mountain Butorac‏ said on Twitter: 'I can see the smoke from my apartment and heard the explosion.

'It’s from a neighborhood just behind the Vatican.

'The smoke wasn’t visible from St. Peter’s Square. I could only see from my roof, looking over the walls of the Vatican.

'The smell of the smoke is strong now on Borgo Pio.'