Rescuers search a crumbled building in Arcuata del Tronto, central Italy (AP)
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck central Italy, with reports of damaged buildings, blackouts and people fleeing their homes.
There are reports that at least six people have been killed in the incident, and many others trapped under debris.
The quake struck just after 3.30am local time and was felt across a broad section of central Italy, including the capital Rome where people in homes in the historic centre felt a long swaying followed by aftershocks.
A post office is engulfed by rubbles in Arcuata del Tronto, central Italy,
The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said the epicentre was north east of Rome, near Rieti.
Tourists more than 100 miles away from the epicentre of an earthquake that has hit central Italy were woken by the tremors.
At least six people killed after major earthquake hits Italy
