One person is dead and at least nine have been injured after a large fire at a seven-storey building in Rome.

The blaze, in the capital’s eastern Colli Aniene area on Friday afternoon, is now under control and firefighters are inspecting the building to find anyone who might be trapped inside.

The body of the victim, who is yet to be identified, was found on a staircase in the upper floors of the building.

Italian news agency Ansa said they had died from smoke inhalation.

Most of those injured also suffered from smoke inhalation, while others were burnt.

Officials said the cause is under investigation and the local prosecutor has visited the scene.

Provincial commander of the fire brigade, Alessandro Paola, said: “At the moment, it is not yet possible to establish where the fire started from.”

Tents set up for homeless

Mr Paola confirmed there were two or three explosions before the flames took over the scaffolding on the building, which was being renovated.

The renovations involved thermal cladding and roof panel installation, according to La Repubblica.

Some 100 residents of the building have been left homeless, and tents have been set up to accommodate them.

Mr Paola said that the building’s apartments were being checked for safety, and it is “only at the end of these operations we will be able to say” if residents will be able to return.

Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri said he wanted to “express my solidarity with all the injured”.

“We are close to the families affected by this tragedy and will support them in every way,” he added.