Travellers were seen running in terror as a man started a fire at a check-in desk(Image: Twitter)

A woman has told how she “ran for her life” in terror after a man went on a rampage at Milan Malpensa airport with a hammer after starting a fire.

Part of the airport, which is an important hub in the north of Italy, has had to be closed after the person began a fire in the check-in area at Terminal 1. Pictures from the airport show huge queues of passengers waiting outside the airport as crews worked to put out the flames that filled the terminal building with smoke.

Tourists and business travellers watched on in horror as the man first started a fire in a rubbish bin and then started smashing check-in desks and information screens with the hammer.

The man was finally stopped by security(Image: mxpairport.it)

Travellers and other visitors at the airport were seen running away as he also targeted people while others bravely stepped in to try and stop him. As the chaos ensued smoke was filling the terminal.

Security at the airport were finally able to overpower him and he was pictured on the floor where he was handcuffed and then taken away. At the same time the fire service arrived to tackle the flames and with airport staff needing to wear masks due to the smoke. Paramedics are also at the scene to treat security staff who have been injured.

The blaze was started at a check-in counter of Terminal 1 (Image: Instagram)

A witness has told The Mirror of her terror after seeing a mask-clad man setting part of Milan’s Malpensa Airport ablaze this morning. Sophia said she was checking in around counter 13 for her Cathay Pacific Airlines flight when she saw terror in the eyes of the staff member who was serving her.

She said: “I was checking in at counter 13 or 14 (Cathay Pacific Airlines check-in counter) and then all of a sudden the staff member who was assisting me- her eyes turned big and she covered her mouth in shock.

Smoke filled the terminal building(Image: aptlombardi/Twitter)

“It was then I turned around only to see the check in counter on the other side was on fire. I heard popping noises and a man wearing a white t-shirt with a blue surgical mask on with a hat was yelling out loud.

“It was then I started running for my life with my husband hand in hand. Everyone around me was in panic mode- screaming and running. I thought I was going to die. I am still very shaken up and scared. Please be careful.”

Emergency services on the scene(Image: aptlombardi/Twitter)

Videos of the incident show panicked tourists running form the airport with their luggage as airport staff rush over with fire extinguishers. Black smoke is seen rising from the check-in counter as thick smoke begins to fill the terminal.

A man is then tackled to the ground and restrained by what appear to be staff and potentially fellow flyers who hold him on the ground. Photos from the scene show travellers waiting outside the terminal as they line the pavements and spill out into the road.