International

A family of three have died after falling into a volcanic crater in Pozzuoli, Italy.

An 11-year-old boy is believed to have fallen into a hole at the Solfatara Crater, with his 42-year-old mother and 45-year-old father also falling in after attempting to save him.

It was not immediately clear if the family were overcome by gases or molten lava.

The couple's second son, aged seven-years-old, managed to get to safety.Local media reports say the 11-year-old crossed a safety barrier before falling into the crater.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but were unable to save the family.

Reports said the family were from Turin in northern Italy.The crater is in the Phlegraen Fields, a sprawling constellation of ancient volcanic craters frequented by Italian school children and tourists from around the world.

The fields are scorching hot only a few inches below the surface.

Solfatara is a dormant volcano which still emits jets of steam and sulfurous fumes.

It was formed around 4,000 years ago and last erupted in 1198.