The number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy has risen to 1,266 - an increase of 250 in a day, officials say.

The 25% hike is the largest rise in absolute terms since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Italy's Civil Protection Agency has said.

The total number of cases in the country, the worst hit in Europe, has gone up by 17%, from 15,113 to 17,660.

Image: Piazza Navona in Rome has been deserted deserted

On Friday, the World Health Organisation said Europe was now the epicentre of the world's coronavirus pandemic.

Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told reporters in Geneva that "more cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic".


Inside Rome on lockdown

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to his Italian counterpart, Giuseppe Conte, on Friday afternoon.

In a statement, Number 10 said that Mr Johnson "expresses his solidarity and sympathy with Italy".

Image: Giuseppe Conte (L) and Boris Johnson spoke over the phone on Friday. File pic

"He stressed that this was a hugely testing time for countries around the world and that the UK would support Italy in any way possible," Number 10 added.

"The prime minister thanked Prime Minister Conte for his help ensuring British tourists were able to depart Italy following the outbreak, and for the support the Italian authorities continued to provide to British people who live in Italy.

"The two leaders discussed the importance of taking a transparent and science led approach in response to the virus.

"They also agreed on the need for international coordination, including through the G7, and they agreed a call between G7 leaders would be a good opportunity to do that."

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The Italian government has imposed the most severe controls placed on a Western nation since World War Two.

As part of a nationwide lockdown, only food shops, pharmacies and essential stores are allowed to remain open as the country struggles to contain the outbreak.

Image: The centre of Rome has been completely deserted

Image: In Venice, police officers enforce the lockdown

Image: The whole of Italy has been placed on lockdown

The Italian prime minister announced the new restrictions in an address on Facebook Live on Wednesday evening.

In his broadcast, Mr Conte thanked the public for following the restrictions already in place, but said Italy must "go another step" to try and stop the spread of the virus.

He said essential public services such as transport, utilities, agriculture, finance, mail and banking would remain operational.