We have some very sad news to share this afternoon, following confirmation that three Britons are among the deceased in the earthquake that has rocked Italy.
Marcos Burnett, 14, died alongside Maria and William Henniker-Gotley, 51 and 55, respectively; when the holiday villa they were staying in, in the hamlet of Sommati, collapsed.
According to reports, Marcos was staying in the villa with his sister and parents, as well as the Henniker-Gotleys and their teenage children, who are friends of the family.
While all other members of both families managed to escape with their lives, Marcos’ parents, Anne-Louise and Simon, are being treated in hospital for injuries.
The victims are believed to be from Bayswater, in London.
The deaths were confirmed via a statement from the British Foreign Office.
The clock tower here in Amatrice still standing with the time eerily stuck on 3:38, exactly when the earthquake hit pic.twitter.com/gQkZxGVj8V
— Tom Steinfort (@tomsteinfort) August 25, 2016
“Their families have paid tribute to the tireless work of the Italian rescue workers and hospital staff, and expressed their gratitude for the love and support they have received from the Italian people. Their thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the earthquake,” the statement read.
Our hearts go out to the families and all those affected by this awful tragedy.
