US tourists ignore bomb warnings

Washington officials fear that American tourists are not taking seriously a warning by the State Department that terror bombings are expected in four Italian cities on Easter Sunday.

The department said "a possible threat exists to US citizens from extremist groups in the cities of Venice, Florence, Milan and Verona on Easter Sunday".

Americans "should increase their security awareness and avoid large crowds".

The warning is based on information developed in co-operation with Italian authorities. But reaction to the warning by Americans in Italy suggests multiple similar warnings over the past several months have bred scepticism.

US tourists interviewed in Rome said they had no intention of changing their holiday plans. "I think every place in the world is dangerous," said one American on holiday. "But I think this warning is ridiculous. I don't worry about that stuff."