Police truck catches fire on Columbus Circle in New York causing huge plumes of thick black smoke

A police truck has caught fire on one of New York’s busiest junctions.

The blaze brought chaotic scenes to Columbus Circle with some eyewitnesses saying it “blew up”.

Witnesses said the area is in “chaos” as smoke has been sent billowing into the sky and flames raged through the vehicle.

Local media later reported that the NYPD barrier truck had mechanical problems and the engine was smoking when it caught fire at 9am.

Police said no one was injured in the incident.

People took to social media to tell others to avoid the area.

One even reported police were out with guns and vests.

Another person said smoke and fire was at least 12ft high.

Rumours circulated that the vehicle collided into a building, but police have confirmed the fire was down to mechanical problems in the vehicle.

The incident happened outside the CNN officers in New York but the fire department responded quickly to put the blaze out.