At least three killed in Hamburg scaffolding collapse

Dozens of emergency service staff have been called to the scene of the collapse

At least three workers have died after scaffolding collapsed at a construction site in the German city of Hamburg, according to officials.

Others have been injured, including at least one person who is in a critical condition.

The incident happened on Monday morning at the Uberseequartier in the HafenCity district - one of the biggest construction sites in the city.

The scaffolding collapsed from the eighth floor down into a lift shaft.

An unknown number of people are still missing - thought to have been buried under the debris.

The fire department initially said five people had lost their lives - but they have now revised that number down.

According to German media, dozens of emergency service staff are at the site, which has been evacuated.

"Currently a very difficult technical rescue operation by fire brigade rescuers is under way," Philipp Baumann, a spokesman for the Hamburg Fire Department, told German broadcaster ZDF.

"The fire service is working flat out".

Hundreds of people are currently employed at the construction site - part of a major redevelopment that features offices, houses, hotels and shops.