Prague hotel fire: Two people killed and dozens injured in blaze at Eurostars David hotel

Two people have been killed and dozens more injured after a fire in a hotel in Prague.

Eight people were taken to hospital with serious injuries and three people had to be resuscitated, a rescue service spokeswoman said.

The exact of cause of the fire, at the Eurostars David hotel near the Czech capital’s National Theatre, is still unknown and took fire-fighters two hours to bring the blaze under control.

Prague’s mayor Adriana Krnacova, who was at the scene, expressed condolences to the relatives of the victims, who haven’t been immediately identified.

There was no immediate confirmation of the victims' identities or nationalities.

Rescue officials had earlier said that 40 people were injured, although Czech media reported that most were treated for smoke inhalation on the spot and not taken to hospital.

The 4-star hotel is located near the Vltava river in the Prague 2 district, which is in walking distance to the city’s historical centre.

The Eurostars David hotel is inside a neo-Renaissance palace dating back from 1884 and is popular with couples.

Recent visitors described it as "unique" and praised the "friendly service" from staff.