At least three people have been killed and around 20 injured after the iconic Gloria funicular in Lisbon derailed and crashed, emergency services said.

Footage from the site showed the tram-like funicular, which is popular with tourists, practically destroyed and emergency workers pulling people out of the wreckage.

Emergency services told CNN Portugal that nine of those injured are in a serious condition.

It is not immediately clear what caused the crash which happened at around 6pm - the start of evening rush hour.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has offered his condolences to families affected by the tragedy.

Images show how the yellow and white funicular has fallen apart as a result of the crash.

Its sides and top are partially crumpled and emergency workers are at the scene.

The Gloria, which can carry more than 40 people, is one of three funiculars in the Portuguese capital.

It connects downtown Lisbon with the neighbourhood of Bairro Alto and is commonly used by both residents and tourists.

Two carriages run parallel to each other as they shuttle up and down the hill for a few hundred metres.

It is classified as a national monument.

Please refresh the page for the latest version.