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Fire crews have launched a desperate search for survivors after a tower block caught fire and collapsed in Brazil.

Flames have ripped through the 26-building in Sao Paulo leaving terrified people trapped inside.

Firefighters told Brazilian media at least one person was dead and three were missing, following the inferno which started on the 5th floor of the 26 storey building shortly before 1.30am local time (5.30am BST) this morning.

The building in the city centre was occupied by rough sleepers, according to local reports.

One hundred and sixty firefighters sifted through rubble in the hunt for survivors as the building crumbled.

Sao Paulo fire crews reported at least one victim trapped on the top floor of the building in the Largo de Paissandu district.

Horrified witnesses reported "desperate" people fleeing the blaze onto the streets.

Receptionist Flábio Gabia, who works at a nearby hotel, told local newspaper Estadao: "When I went to see what it was, the streets, which were deserted, were filled with desperate people."

Others reported hearing windows shatter as the fire tore through the building.

It is not yet known if anyone else was injured in the fire.

More follows.