An earthquake shook Rome and nearby coastal towns today, rattling buildings and sparking panic throughout the region.
The earthquake registered 4.4 on the Richter scale, a spokesman at Italy's Civil Protection unit said.
Italy's National Geographic Institute said the epicentre appeared to be under the sea bed southwest of Rome near the coastal town of Anzio.
Residents and workers in Rome fled their homes and offices as buildings in the Italian capital shook for around five seconds shortly after 2 pm (1pm Irish time).