Holidaying boy, 14, one of three Britons killed

Families pay tribute to efforts of Italian rescue workers

A 14-year-old boy on holiday with his parents is among three Britons killed in the deadly earthquake that rocked central Italy.

A married couple from south London also died following the 6.2 magnitude quake that struck early on Wednesday morning, which left 278 people dead and levelled three small towns.

Their devastated families paid tribute to “the tireless work of the Italian rescue workers and hospital staff” as the Queen made a donation to support search and rescue efforts.

A joint statement from their families issued by the Foreign Office said: “It is with sadness that we can confirm the deaths of Maria, 51, and Will, 55, Henniker-Gotley and Marcos Burnett, 14, in the earthquake in Amatrice, Italy on August 24.

“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.”

A state of emergency has been declared in the areas affected and aftershocks have continued to strike, including one of a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 yesterday morning.

The Queen donated an unspecified amount to the British Red Cross, of which she is a patron, to support the Italian Red Cross in its relief efforts, Buckingham Palace said.

It is believed Mr and Mrs HennikerGotley owned a property in Sommati, a village about 1.3 miles (2km) from Amatrice.

Their two children, believed to be aged 12 and 14, survived but their condition is unknown.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “They were very warm and friendly, extremely good neighbours. It’s just so awful to think of their children.”

Marcos and his family were staying with the Henniker-Gotleys.

His parents, Anne-Louise and Simon Burnett, were both taken to hospital and their daughter also survived. Her condition is unknown.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Thursday that a number of Britons had been “affected” by the earthquake.

He said extra staff had been sent to the region to help provide support to Britons.

Pictures: AP/PA. Left: Rescuers work amid collapsed building in Amatrice. Top right: Marcos Burnett died in the quake. Above right: The main street in Amatrice.