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A huge fire has destroyed part of the famous Shuri Castle in Japan.

Dramatic pictures showed the 600-year-old fortress well alight tonight as firefighters battled the flames.

Only hot ember beams remained of the monument's main hall in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan.

The fire broke out at 2.40am local time (5.40pm UK) and was still burning hours later.

(Image: Twitter)

The main hall of the 14th century castle was completely engulfed in flames by 4.30am (7.30pm UK).