Watch: Tourists warned to stay away from Mount Etna lava

Mountain police in Italy have urged tourists not to get too close to Mount Etna’s lava flows, as people flock to the area following the volcano’s latest eruption.

Restrictions in force require people to stay a minimum distance 500 metres from the lava flow and to visit only if accompanied by guides.

Skiing nearby is also prohibited at present, but footage shows large a large number of people flouting the rules.

The eruption started on 11 February and caused Catania Airport to divert dozens of flights because of ash clouds in the area.