This is the moment an apartment block in Madrid was left completely gutted following an explosion.

The blast occurred shortly before 8.30am at a gated development on Avenida Reyes Catolicos in Valdemoro.

Three pet dogs and a parrot were all killed by the ensuing inferno.

A fourth dog was revived and taken to a veterinary hospital, while at least one cat was also rescued alive.

No people were seriously injured but five homes have been left uninhabitable and two Guardia Civil officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

Emergency officials said the incident appeared to have originated inside an empty second-floor apartment, although its cause remains unknown.

It has also not yet been established whether the explosion or the fire came first.

The affected flat and a neighbouring home were destroyed, while flames spread through the lift shaft to the third floor and penthouse.

Two Guardia Civil officers suffered mild smoke inhalation after helping a woman escape from the first floor. They were given oxygen and discharged at the scene.

The owner of the dogs and the woman who lived in the apartment where the explosion occurred were treated for anxiety.

Six firefighting crews attended the scene and brought the blaze under control by around 9.15am.

Officials confirmed that the building had not suffered structural damage, but five badly affected homes will remain closed while residents are rehoused.