RESIDENTS living in Dubai's Torch Tower fled the raging inferno in just ten minutes as it had smoke-free escape routes - unlike London's Grenfell Tower.

Flames tore through the 1,100ft skyscraper leaving terrified residents - including dozens of Brits - fearing for their lives.

12 The massive blaze could be seen in the city skyline for miles Credit: Getty - Contributor

12 Daylight revealed exactly how much damage was caused Credit: AFP or licensors

12 Fires are seen at the 1,105 foot tall Torch Tower skyscraper Credit: AFP or licensors

12 Cars below the towerblock were caught up in the blaze Credit: AFP or licensors

12 Burning debris was seen falling into the street below Credit: AP:Associated Press

12 It is the second time in two years the Torch Tower has been on fire Credit: AFP or licensors

"We were sleeping and we woke up to the fire alarm and people screaming. We ran down the stairs and it took us about 10 minutes to reach from the 50th floor," a resident who gave his name as George told Reuters.

"It was very bad. The fire was very strong at that time, about 1 am. Then it started calming down over the next two hours."

The massive fire tore through the world's fifth largest residential towerblock last night sending panicked residents fleeing into the streets in chilling echoes of the Grenfell Tower blaze.

Shocked onlookers last night recorded the huge blaze at the 82-storey 1,105ft (337m) Torch Tower, located in the heart of the luxury Dubai Marina area - which is home to thousands of expat Brits.

Video taken at the scene shows the fire spreading upwards - sending burning debris spiralling down and sparking a blaze in the streets below.

One couple were left devastated after being forced to flee their burning home for the second time in two years.

12 The damage is over more than 40 floors Credit: AFP or licensors 12 The building has 676 apartments and a two-bedroom flat starts at more than £381,000 Credit: Getty - Contributor

12 Crowds watch the fire from street level Credit: Twitter / @StevenJohnBond

12 Flaming debris has fallen into the street below Credit: @MitchGWilliams

Leeanne Hume, 38, and her husband Donnie, 40, fled the Torch tower in their pyjamas when the building caught fire two years ago.

The couple from Scotland had to escape for a second time in the early hours after fire ripped through the tower once again.

Heartbroken Mrs Hume said: "This is horrific. We are safe but our building is horrendous, worse than last time."

Watford-born bar manager Danny Harper, who lives on the 68th floor, said his flat had been totally destroyed.

He told the Mail Online: "Thankfully I work nights and I am safe. My flat, however, is not and my passport is gone."

The fire started on the 63rd floor, said Dubai police commander-in-chief Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri.

"We received a report of a fire. We thank God that there were no casualties, that because of the efforts of all teams on the ground...the residents were evacuated from this building to another one and there were no injuries."

12 Emergency services are pictured at the scene of the massive inferno Credit: Dubai Media Office / Twitter

12 Questions will likely be asked given it is the second time the building has caught fire Credit: Dubai Media Office / Twitter

The government said it is working on providing shelter for the ones affected by the fire.

A fire swept through the same building in February 2015 and its flammable cladding was blamed for the rapid spread of the flames - a chilling similarity to London's Grenfell fire tragedy which left at least 80 people dead.

Parts of the building were still undergoing restoration work following the 2015 blaze.

Authorities have previously acknowledged that at least 30,000 buildings across the UAE have cladding or panelling that safety experts have said accelerates the rapid spread of fires.

The Dubai Media Office tweeted: "Dubai Civil Defence has successfully evacuated the Torch Tower and is working to bring the fire under control.

"Firefighting squads from 4 Civil Defence stations have been deployed to bring the fire under control & ensure safety of residents."

The building has 676 apartments and a two-bedroom flat starts at more than £381,000.

Bystander Cara Spillane tweeted: "Terrifying to see Torch Tower, in the area I live in (Dubai Marina) on fire now.

"Hope everyone gets out OK."

Claire Hopkin added: "One of the skyscrapers near me is on FIRE!! Looks like Princess?? #dubai #dubaifire God! Hope everyone can get out. Scary seeing it!"

Witness Rob Sheperd claimed it looks worse than the blaze in 2015.

He tweeted: "People still escaping torch tower Dubai... building is well ablaze... looks worse than 2015 fire.

"Friends and relatives just escaping now."

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Civil defence officials say they have "successfully evacuated" the building and are now working to bring the blaze under control.

In January, Dubai announced tougher rules to minimise fire risks after a series of tower blazes in the modern emirate mostly due to flammable material used in cladding, a covering or coating used on the side of the buildings.

In November 2015, fire engulfed three residential blocks in central Dubai and led to services on a metro line being suspended, although no one was hurt.

On New Year's Eve that year a fire broke out in a luxury hotel, injuring 16 people hours before a fireworks display nearby.

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