4.3 tremor rattles Palermo

The tremor, which was registered at 8:21am lasted several seconds caused panic, leading people to take to the streets.

The quake was recorded off the coast of Palermo, close to the island of Pantelleria.

No damages or injuries were reported, but the country's Civil Protection Department are said to be monitoring the situation.

Schools have been evacuated, while government offices have remained closed.