There has been an explosion in the centre of the Thai capital, Bangkok.

Police said the explosion has been caused by a bomb.

It happened close to the Erawan shrine, which is popular with tourists.

Police and rescue workers said at least 12 people have been killed.

Many more are feared to have been wounded.

The explosion damaged nearby buildings, setting a number of them ablaze.

Five dead, scores wounded as bomb explodes outside religious shrine in #Bangkok, #Thailand
http://t.co/dh0XsHKpFj pic.twitter.com/uaxYvReB5t— Alwasat (@alwasatengnews) August 17, 2015


Rescue workers and police say death toll of powerful blast in central Bangkok "at least 12" (Photo of newsthaich8) pic.twitter.com/TM3mE8w5j8— China Xinhua News (XHNews) August 17, 2015


It is as yet unclear who planted the bomb.