Italy declares state of emergency for area affected by earthquake

Italy's Prime Minister has declared a state of emergency in the area affected by the earthquake which killed at least 267 people.

It came as a strong 4.7-magnitude aftershock struck near the worst-hit town of Amatrice on Friday morning.

The Italian government has pledged €50m to the rescue effort and announced a new initiative to address criticism over shoddy construction.

The funerals have taken place of a number of victims of Wednesday’s 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Italy.

The death toll now stands at 267 and authorities are losing hope of finding anymore survivors in the rubble.