Italy asks for EU cash over Lampedusa migrant problem

The Italian government has formally requested aid from the European Union to help it cope with thousands of Tunisians arriving on its shores.

Some 5,000 migrants have landed on the island of Lampedusa in recent days following Tunisia's January uprising.

Italy's interior minister said the country was seeking some 100m euros ($134m; £84m) from the EU to tackle the influx.

The mayor of Lampedusa has declared a state of emergency.

The BBC's Matt Cole reports from Lampedusa.

  • Europe