Watch fire rip through skyscraper in Dubai

Hundreds of people in Dubai are evacuated from one of the world's tallest residential buildings when fire swept through The Torch, a 79-story skyscraper.

Dubai's police chief, General Khamis Mattar, said the fire appeared to be the result of an accident and did not suspect it was caused by any deliberate criminal act, in comments carried by state news agency WAM.

He added that an investigation had started to determine the cause of the blaze, WAM reported.

A witness said flames shot out from two sides of the building - known as The Torch - as glass and metal rained down from near the summit of the structure, which stands more than 1,082 feet tall.