At least one person has died and up to 15 others have been injured in a "huge" explosion in a block of flats in Barcelona, Spain.

The explosion ripped through the second floor flat of a residential building in Premia de Mar, a coastal resort which sits north east of the Catalan capital.

An emergency services spokesperson said: “The explosion happened at 8.25am and affected 15 people, 14 of whom were injured and one who died.”

Barcelona explosion - in pictures Show all 5 1 /5 Barcelona explosion - in pictures Barcelona explosion - in pictures Firemen work at the scene of an explosion in a block of flats in the Premia de Mar area of Barcelona EPA Barcelona explosion - in pictures People inspect a damaged seven-storey building following an explosion in Premia de Mar AFP/Getty Images Barcelona explosion - in pictures A firefighter inspects the balcony of a damaged seven-storey building AFP/Getty Images Barcelona explosion - in pictures One person died and 15 people were injured in an explosion in a block of flats in a Spanish seaside resort near Barcelona AFP/Getty Images Barcelona explosion - in pictures It was not immediately clear what caused the blast which took place in the residential building in Premia de Mar AFP/Getty Images

Other reports said 15 had been injured. Two are believed to be in a serious condition.

Local media says the person who died, believed to be a middle-aged woman, lived on the second floor.

The building and neighbouring blocks have been evacuated.