In pictures: Volcano erupts in Iceland turning the sky orange

People watch as the night sky is illuminated caused by the eruption of a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Picture: AP Photo/Brynjar Gunnarsson

A volcanic eruption started on Monday night on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, turning the sky orange and prompting the civil defence to be put on high alert.

The eruption appears to have occurred about 2.4 miles from the town of Grindavik, the Icelandic meteorological office said.