Volcano vent opens near Rome airport

A small volcanic vent producing steam has suddenly opened in the ground near Rome's International Fiumicino airport.

A geyser-like vent, known as a fumarole, opened up near a road crossing in the Italian capital on Saturday morning.

The small opening in the Earth's crust, has been filmed ejecting mud, water and steam near Fiumicino.

Italian geologists are currently examining the phenomenon. According to local media, the vent is thought to be naturally occuring.

The nearest possibly active volcanic system is the Monti Albani, which lies 12 miles south-east of Rome, although its last known activity took place around 20,000 years ago.