Six people have died after a large fire broke out in a residential building in Brooklyn, New York City, officials say.

Several others were hurt in the blaze, which occurred early on Thursday morning, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) said in a statement.

More than 230 fire and emergency medical personnel were sent to the scene near Sunset Park after the fire was first reported at around 01:40 local time (06:40 GMT).

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was "heartbroken" by the deaths, and has asked New Yorkers to "take a moment to pray for the full recovery of those who were injured".

The cause of the blaze is being investigated.

A crew specialising in hazardous materials was sent to the scene because of the presence of a lithium-ion battery, although it was not clear whether this was linked to the blaze.

The emergency responders reportedly discovered on their arrival that the building's first and second floors had been engulfed by flames.

Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the FDNY.

A male and female were also taken to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) said.

Six other civilians were injured, two of them critically, along with three firefighters, the FDNY said.