Italy's Mount Etna has erupted in a breathtaking display of colour, light and sound.

Lave roared down the snow-clad flanks of the 3,329 m (10,922 ft) volcano on Sicily.

Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, is located on the east coast of the southern island, near the town of Catania.

The main eruption sprang from the southeastern crater and lasted for an hour.

Italian authorities did not issue any warnings as the lava flow was in the direction of the deserted Bove Valley.

Nevertheless, small rocks and ash showered homes in the nearby villages of Zafferana Etnea and Milo.

Etna had showed signs of activity in recent weeks. It last erupted in October 2012.

Lave flows down the snow-clad flanks of the 3,329 m (10,922 ft) high volcano

Italy’s Mount Etna erupted putting on a breathtaking display

Europe’s highest volcano, Etna is located in Sicily near the town of Catania

The main eruption sprang from the southeastern crater

A church backlit by lava

Erupting Mount Etna is seen at dawn

Smoke rises from the volcano