At least eight people have been killed after a car exploded near the Red Fort in India’s capital New Delhi, police said.

Local television channels reported on Monday that at least 11 other people were wounded in the blast.

Footage broadcast by Indian television channels and videos circulating online showed flames and several vehicles affected by the explosion.

Local media said the incident took place near the Red Fort metro station.

Police and emergency teams were present at the scene. Police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi said the case is under investigation and the exact cause was not immediately known.

Local authorities said the Uttar Pradesh region has been put on a red alert in the wake of the blast.

Provincial official Amitabh Yash told local media that all senior officials in Uttar Pradesh were instructed to increase security at religious sites, sensitive districts, and border areas.

Police in all districts of Uttar Pradesh have been put on alert, and patrols and checks are to be increased.

More to come…