Virginia Raggi told an immigration summit of European city leaders mayors need to be the first to welcome refugees with “warmth, shelter and accommodation”. She was speaking just days after a Moroccan family was prevented from moving into a council flat given to them by the authorities after neighbours shouted: “We do not want these n*****s.” Italy has seen the largest increase in migrant arrivals to Europe this year after the European Union (EU) made a deal with Turkey which meant migrants headed to Italy instead of Greece.

GETTY Virginia Raggi said Mayors need to welcome refugees with open arms

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For this we must take action, even more in the suburbs, where there is a risk of a war between the poor Virginia Raggi, Mayor of Rome

Ms Raggi, said: "Our cities seem to be closed off with their self-interest and the mayors are the ones who should give the first reception. “We must guarantee human warmth, shelter, accommodation.

Getty Migrants in Rome have been protesting against the locals, and vice-versa

“The attitude that we have seen, unfortunately, offends our dignity as mayors and people. “For this we must take action, even more in the suburbs, which are the most abandoned parts of the city, where there is a risk of a war between the poor.”

She said the situation is so fragile in the Italian capital’s suburbs between the impoverished locals and those who have fled poverty after facing long and dangerous journeys across the sea, battles between the two groups are imminent. The Rome mayor added: "In Rome, we are trying to provide stability with temporary shelters and tents. “We want everyone to have a roof over their heads.

Getty Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi will be speaking to the pope tomorrow about migrants in the city

Getty Church groups have flown refugees over to Rome to join their families

“Rome is working hard to respect the dignity of people. “We are historically open to reception and we want to continue." She hit out at the West, saying rich countries were ultimately responsible for the largest migrant crisis since the Second World War.

Migrants go to extreme lengths to cross borders Fri, October 7, 2016 Desperate migrants fleeing Syria and surrounding places have been trying to sneak across borders in incredible ways. These include hiding in suitcases and sleeping next to car bonnets Play slideshow 1 of 40

Ms Raggi, added: "The behaviour of the richest countries, the prevalence of individual interests, the exploitation of natural resources, and the globalisation - all of this has made many poor countries the subject of conquest." Yesterday Italy held the EU to ransom after refusing to back a change to the bloc’s budget up to 2020, saying not enough cash is being set aside to tackle the migrant crisis which has had an enormous impact on the country.