A fire at a bar in the Swiss Alps has left people dead and injured during New Year’s celebrations, police there said early on Thursday.

Citing authorities, media reports are saying that at least 10 ‍people have died in the incident, with some outlets saying the figure may be higher.

Police would only confirm that multiple people were killed in the blaze and many others were injured in the Alpine ski resort municipality of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, police said.

“The fire started around 1.30am this morning in a bar called ‘Le Constellation,’" police spokesperson Gaëtan Lathion said. "More than a hundred people were in the building, and we are seeing many injured and many dead.”

Investigators were working to determine the cause of the fire, he added.

“We’re just at the beginning of our investigation, but this is an internationally renowned ski resort with lots of tourists," Lathion said.

A reception centre and helpline have been established for impacted families, Lathion said.

A news conference was scheduled by police for 10am in Crans-Montana. The community is in the heart of the Swiss Alps, just 40 kilometres north of the Matterhorn. (AP/Reuters)