Shocking footage shows the moment a fire ripped through Amsterdam's historic Vondelkerk church during New Year's Eve celebrations. 

The 19th Century church, built in 1880 near the Dutch capital's famous Vondelpark, caught fire around 12.45am. 

The tower collapsed just after 1am and there were fears of the fire spreading to other buildings, according to local reports.  

Dozens of nearby homes were evacuated as smoke and falling debris caused a risk to the safety to residents.

James Pearson, 39, who captured the footage of the fire, was celebrating the new year with friends when the fire broke out.

He captured the moment the tower collapsed in on itself and firefighters working to get the fire under control. 

The cause of the fire is still unknown but local news reports said it was likely hit by a firework. 

The tower lost part of the central section and much of its roof, but the side walls remain standing.

James, a researcher at University of Amsterdam, said: "I was at a New Year party with friends. Some said they heard the Vondelkerk was on fire and we went out to see what was happening."

"We think it was a firework that hit the top of it."

"We could see the fire spreading."

"It's slowly travelled down the spire and then it collapsed."

"It looked like the surrounding buildings were at risk of catching fire too."

According to reports, the fire department said strong winds made it difficult to extinguish the fire and although the roof collapsed, their is no further risk of collapse.

ENDS