In pictures: Italy school tragedy

Halloween celebrations at an Italian village school ended in tragedy when a powerful earthquake brought down the roof on pupils and teachers inside.

Rescuers used cranes, blow torches and their bare hands to claw at the rubble.

Initially there was heartening news as some of the children were pulled out alive.

The tension in the once-sleepy village was palpable as parents waited for news.

But nightfall brought no respite as frantic rescue efforts continued amid the huge heap of debris.

The constant fear of new tremors led many people to spend the night in the open.

In the early hours of Friday, the death toll began to rise again sharply.

Parents broke down as their worst fears were realised.