Building catches fire in Paris; death toll rises to 8, several injured

The death toll in the Paris building fire has risen to eight.

The fire broke out in the upmarket area in the city which is home to foreign embassies.

The blaze took place in the seventh and eight floors in the French capital's trendy 16th arrondissement area.

Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said one person has been arrested. The prosecutor added that the investigators were in favour of a "criminal" cause for the blaze.

Heitz also told reporters that a woman had been placed in custody as part of the investigation into the blaze. 

At least 24 people, including two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

"The toll could still increase because the fire is still in progress on the 7th and 8th floors" of the eight-storey block, a fire service spokesman told AFP at the scene.

Fire service spokesman Clement Cognon said: "We had to carry out many rescues, including some people who had taken refuge on the roofs."

The area which is a hub for tourists overlooks the Eiffel Tower and hosts the iconic Paris Saint-Germain home stadium, Bois de Bologne and several upmarket restaurants.