Three hikers have died after being caught in an avalanche in northern Italy.

Daniela Rossi, a spokeswoman for the Alpine rescue corps, said the three were hiking in a spot known to be at risk of avalanches, in the Mortirolo Pass, north of Brescia.

Ms Rossi said one of the three was freed alive by rescue teams today, but subsequently died.

The names and nationalities of the dead were not immediately available.

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