Defences holding as volcanic system on Iceland erupts for fourth time in months

Lava has erupted in the area for the fourth time since December (Iceland Civil Defence/AP)

Lava from a volcanic eruption in Iceland is continuing to flow towards defences around the town of Grindavik, which have so far held the molten rock back from the evacuated community.

Scientists said on Sunday that the eruption appears to be weakening and will probably peter out within hours.