An earthquake measured at 4.8 on the Richter scale hit the Catania province overnight, Italian media report.

The tremor was felt at 2.34am two kilometres from Santa Maria di Licodia, in the province of Catania.

The quake was felt in nearby Ragusa and Messine, and was preceded by two other tremors measured at 2.4 and 2.0 at 2.14am and 2.26am.

Another tremor, at 2.5, was then felt just before 3am.

The earthquake caused structural damages to the church of Santa Maria di Licodia.

La Repubblica reports that about 40 persons were taken to hospital with panic attacks or slight injuries.

Photo Ciak Telesud