Italians intercept migrant boat

Italian authorities say they have intercepted a fishing boat carrying more than 400 illegal immigrants off the Italian island of Lampedusa.

The migrants, who officials say mostly appear to be of North African origin, have been taken to a holding centre.

On Saturday more than 100 illegal immigrants landed on the island.

Lampedusa is the first Italian territory to be reached by boats from Tunisia or Libya and thousands of migrants attempt the journey each year.

Just last month, some 500 immigrants arrived on Lampedusa in one of the largest such landings the island has experienced.

More than 10,000 illegal immigrants landed on Lampedusa in 2004.

Many of those who make the journey are believed to pay as much as $1,000 (791 euros, £543) each for the chance to reach Europe, but the journeys are often in rickety and overcrowded boats, and many perish on the way.