Death toll hits 80 as freeze takes hold over Europe

EUROPE shivered in some of the coldest temperatures seen in decades yesterday as the death toll topped 80 and countries battled to clear snow from roads and railways.

At least 28 people froze to death overnight in eastern and central Europe, while countries further west and south began to feel the effects of a cold front spreading from Siberia.

Snow hit Italy, which struggled to clear motorways and railways after heavy falls.