A wildfire near the Greek capital darkens the skies over Athens

Smoke from wildfires is seen above the Greek parliament building (Derek Gatopoulos/AP)

A wildfire is burning north east of Athens, darkening the sky as the smell of smoke and soot pervaded the Greek capital.

More than 400 firefighters, 110 fire engines and a large number of volunteers were fighting the blaze, which broke out around 3pm local time about 22 miles from Athens.