Thousands of people in central Italy have left their homes for safety following the fourth earthquake in the area in three months.

Many spent the night in cars, tents and temporary shelters.

The 6.6-magnitude quake struck close to the region where nearly 300 people were killed by a quake in August.

There are no reports so far of anyone being killed by the quake, which was Italy's strongest in decades, but authorities say around 20 people were injured.

The quake struck near the town of Norcia.