Dozens of people have been badly injured after a stampede in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

Officials have said around 50 people were in cardiac arrest and a number feared dead after being crushed by a large crowd pushing forward on a narrow street during Halloween festivities in the Itaewon area.

Footage on social media showed many victims lying on the pavement as bystanders used CPR in an effort to revive them.

Emergency officials received at least 81 calls from people saying they were having difficulty breathing.

Choi Cheon-sik, an official from the National Fire Agency, said around 100 people were reported as injured, including dozens suffering from cardiac arrest.

He said that the crowd had been near Hamilton Hotel, a popular party spot in the city.

More than 400 emergency workers from around the country have been deployed, including almost all those available in Seoul, he added.

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Seoul’s mayor Oh Se-hoon is visiting Europe but has decided to return home following the news.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said in a statement that officials should ensure swift treatment for those injured and review the safety of the festivity sites.

He also instructed the Health Ministry to swiftly deploy disaster medical assistance teams and secure beds in nearby hospitals to treat the injured.

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