Iceland eruption near volcano triggers red alert

The Icelandic Met Office has raised its aviation warning level near the Bardarbunga volcano to red after an eruption began overnight.

Scientists said a fissure eruption 1km (0.6 miles) long started in a lava field north of the Vatnajokull glacier.

Civil protection officials said Icelandic Air Traffic Control had closed the airspace above the eruption up to a height of 5,000ft (1,500m).

The volcano has been hit by several recent tremors.

Laura Trant reports.