Wildfires close Mount Vesuvius trails while fierce blazes continue in France

French officials says heatwave in southern Europe complicates efforts to contain biggest wildfire since 1949

Tourist trails have been closed on Mount Vesuvius in southern Italy as firefighters tackle a huge blaze on the volcano's slopes, while officials warned of another challenging day" for those working to contain France's biggest wildfire since 1949.

The wildfire on Mount Vesuvius, close to Naples, broke out a few days ago and by Saturday afternoon had stretched to about 3km (1.9 miles) wide, destroying hundreds of hectares of woodland and killing wild animals. Thick smoke could be seen from Pompeii and Naples.