Ukraine war: Odesa’s 'Harry Potter Castle' hit in Russian missile attack

At least four people have been killed in a Russian missile strike that hit a Gothic-style building in the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa.

Known to locals as the "Harry Potter Castle", its turrets were still burning at nightfall and emergency services graded the blaze severe.

Residents reportedly did not have enough time to take shelter as air raid alerts only happened a few minutes before the strike.

"The type of missile is currently being checked; forensic specialists are carrying out the appropriate evaluations to this end," said a spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces, Dmytro Pletenchuk.

"All services, including the State Emergency Service, are currently working to eliminate the consequences of the missile strike - yet another war crime."