A strong earthquake rocked a rural area about 50 miles south east of Rome, but authorities said reports indicated no damage or injuries.

Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said the quake struck at about 10.20pm (9.20pm GMT) yesterday and had a 4.8 magnitude.

Seismologists pinpointed the epicentre near the town of Sora, about 13 miles from Frosinone, the largely rural area's biggest town in the earthquake-prone area.

Frosinone fireman Bruno Levanti told Sky TG24 TV that many residents called authorities seeking reassurances but there were no reports of damage or injuries.

A somewhat stronger 5.0-magnitude quake can do considerable damage.

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