A FIRE at a car wrecking yard sparked fears the Vatican was ablaze after thick black smoke filled the Rome sky.

Alarming pictures on social media showed smoke spreading above the Pope's walled city in Rome.

4 The fire broke out in a car wreckers' yard close to the Vatican Credit: EPA

4 Smoke was seen billowing out across the city for several miles Credit: EPA

Initial reports suggested the blaze happened within the Vatican walls with eyewitnesses reporting "Vatican on fire" and saying they heard a "loud boom".

But local media outlets say the large fire happened at a "car scrapyard" near the religious site in Italy's capital.

The smoke was said to be coming from the Battistini district of Rome, which borders the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

MOST READ IN NEWS HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker pays customer’s bill after he calls mum to ask for her order Exclusive HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker who paid for lad’s meal has secretly bought food for MONTHS COP SLAIN Suspect who shot cop dead at station during covid check 'known to terror police' UPWARD TREND UK coronavirus cases rise by 6,874 - a new high for second day in a row HERE WE SNOW! Leeds hit by SNOW as temps plummet to -5 as Brits brace for 65mph gusts today SHAMED STAR Disgraced paedo Rolf Harris, 90, seen in scruffy clothes as he walks his dog

Firefighters were seen battling the blaze as it ripped through several cars and a crusher at the scrapyard on the Via Mattia Battistini.

Eyewitness Mountain Butorac‏ said on Twitter: "I can see the smoke from my apartment and heard the explosion.

"It's from a neighbourhood just behind the Vatican.

4 Fire fighters battled with the blaze at the car yard Credit: EPA

4 The fire raged for a number of hours before being brought under control Credit: EPA

"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."

Firefighters battled the blaze as it tore through several cars while a nearby building was evacuated, Italian media reported.

According to Rai News, flames erupted from a car at the scrapyard before spreading to other vehicles.

The heat caused a series of explosions sending glass and car pieces flying in the air.

More than 50 vehicles were said to be damaged in the massive blaze.

It is unclear whether anyone was hurt.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368