A fire broke out on board a barge docked in a typhoon shelter in Hong Kong’s Yau Ma Tei on Tuesday, sending smoke billowing into the bustling downtown neighbourhood.

Police said they received a report at 12.54pm that a vessel moored at the New Yau Ma Tei Public Cargo Working Area was emitting smoke and had caught fire.

A preliminary investigation suggested that miscellaneous objects on board had ignited, the force said.

“Currently, there is no evidence to suggest criminal elements were involved in the case,” it said.

No injuries were reported and no evacuation was required.