Hundreds of firefighters battle a towering inferno just outside the German town of Stuttgart.

But despite their efforts, they would soon learn the fire had taken a deadly toll.

At least seven people, including six children, died in the blaze.

Hours after it began, the fire was still burning.

The victims were found in an upper floor apartment which police believe was home to a family of Turkish descent.

The cause is still under investigation, but police believe the blaze may started in a wood-burning oven.