A medieval tower located in the centre of Rome partially collapsed on Monday, trapping one man and leaving another critically injured.

A section of Torre dei Conti – on the edge of the famous Roman Forum and close to the Colosseum – gave way just after 11:30 local time (10:30 GMT).

While rescue efforts were still under way, a second section of the 29m (90ft) high tower began crumbling again, creating a huge cloud of dust.

Firefighters were unharmed and managed to “put up some protection” around the trapped man in time for the second collapse.