Firefighters battling large fire at Auckland church

Firefighters are at the scene of a large blaze at a church in Auckland.

Flames and smoke can be seen billowing from the St James Presbyterian Church on Esplanade Road.

Emrgency services were alerted to the blaze shortly before 5pm on Sunday.

Thick black smoke can be seen from across the city. 

Social media users describing the fire as "big" and "massive".

Photos and video show the building engulfed in flames. 

NZME reported in February that people were warned to stay away from the building. 

View West Developers plan to build apartments on the site.

The building has a B-grade heritage rating and was last year valued to be $6 million,  NZME reports. 

More to come.

Newshub.