A loud explosion has been heard at an outdoor event being attended by Japan’s prime minister, according to local reports.

Japanese media claims a pipe-like object was thrown at Fumio Kishida after he began a speech at a port in the city of Wakayama – and he was subsequently evacuated.

According to NHK, he took cover and remained safe during the incident – and no other injuries have been reported.

Footage from the scene showed a man being pressed to the ground by uniformed officers as crowds ran away.

Last July, former prime minister Shinzo Abe – the country’s longest-serving leader – died after being shot at close range while making a campaign speech outside a train station.

Mr Kishida was visiting the area to cheer one of his party’s candidates, who is taking part in a local election.