Major Quake Hits Central Italy

A major earthquake hit Central Italy overnight.

Reports indicate that the the magnitude 6.2 quake devastated a number of towns, including Amatrice.

Between 40 and 60 aftershocks were reported following the initial quake which struck early in the morning when most people in the area were sleeping.

According to reports, the epicentre of the quake was at Norcia, which is approximately 170 kilometres northeast of Rome.

At press time, reports of dead and injured were continuing to rise.