Counter-terror officers in Italy are hunting for Mathlouthi Atef, 42

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Counter-terror officials are hunting for Mathlouthi Atef, 42, after he was flagged up as a "possible bomber", according to local media.

A mugshot of the Tunisian suspect has been circulated over fears he could strike bars, train stations and shopping centres in Rome.

The alert came after the Italian embassy in Tunisia's capital, Tunis, received an anonymous letter claiming a man was "ready to attack the centre of Rome".

The chilling threat was "considered reliable", according to Rome-based newspaper Il Corriere della Citta.