Berlin’s iconic Europa-Center tower on fire

Photos and videos posted on social media sites show thick black smoke and flames blowing from the roof of the 21-storey shopping centre.

At this point the cause of the fire is unclear although early reports have said that the fire department have stated it was caused by a technical fault.

There have been no reports of any injuries so far.

The German newspaper Bild has indicated that a faulty air-conditioning system may be the cause.

The fire services entered the 103m Europa-Center at 14.05 local time (1pm UK time), according to a report in the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel after the emergency call was made at 13:49.

The situation is reported to be "strained but calm", and the building is closed off.

An Oktoberfest event was due to start in the high tower at midday, with the celebrations supposed to continue through the evening.

The building, which comprises shops and restaurants as well as offices, has been evacuated with reports from local media suggest 64 firemen and six fire engines are at the scene.

Gottfried Kupsch told Berliner Morgenpost that he and colleagues, who had been working in an office on the fourth floor, had evacuated the building after being told to by fellow workers.

According to Kupsch the alarm did not sound.

Built in the 1960s, and recongnisable from its famous rotating Mercedez sign, the building was an icon of capitalist West Berlin. 

The shopping mall is in the high-end Charlottenburg district, which is popular with tourists due to its palace and Berlin's nearby Zoo.