Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said the eruption began around 3.50am local time (2.50am BST), following volcanic tremors which began around midnight local time.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory said there has not been an eruption of this magnitude at Mount Etna since 2014, according to CNN.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology's Etna Observatory in Catania estimated the volcanic cloud's height at about 21,325 feet.

It's the strongest eruption at Mount Etna since 2014, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory.

Footage and photos were also shared by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in Italy.

Naples hit by 'major seismic swarm' Naples was hit by a "major seismic swarm" at around midday, according to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said the spectacle ensued when part of the southeast crater on Europe’s most active volcano collapsed.

It's the strongest eruption at Mount Etna since 2014, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory.

It's the strongest eruption at Mount Etna since 2014, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory.

It's the strongest eruption at Mount Etna since 2014, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory.

It's the strongest eruption at Mount Etna since 2014, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory.