Parisian firefighters were called out to a fire at a busy hotel in the city centre early on Friday.

Flames had spread quickly through the six-storey Paris Opera hotel, creating an inferno.

Dozens of people were trapped on the upper floors of the budget hotel.

The hotel is located in a narrow street, making access difficult for the fire crews.

Many of those staying at the hotel were immigrants waiting to be re-housed.

Some of those caught in the blaze were children.

A total of 76 people were registered at the hotel, located in Rue de Provence in the 9th arrondissement.

Firefighters had to wait until daylight to make a full inspection of the charred building.