Edinburgh University scientists have travelled to central Italy to conduct research following an earthquake that claimed 281 lives.

The 6.2-magnitude quake struck last Wednesday, levelling three small towns.

A series of aftershocks hit the region in the days following the disaster, including one of a preliminary magnitude of 4.7.

Edinburgh-based experts have accompanied scientists from the British Geological Survey (BGS) at the sites.

They will use seismometers to help understand the science behind aftershocks and how the knowledge can support the emergency response.

Dr Margarita Segou, of the BGS, leading the team of scientists, said: "Large earthquakes are always followed by aftershocks which can severely hamper emergency response and are sources of concern for the displaced population.

"The aim of this immediate scientific response is to improve our understanding of aftershock sequences.

"The high resolution data we are collecting will shed light on how earthquakes nucleate and trigger cascades of aftershocks.

"Ultimately, we want to make this knowledge operationally useful, particularly with respect to building resilience in a post-disaster environment."

Professor John McCloskey, of the school of geosciences at Edinburgh University, said the exercise would "make a real difference" to emergency response.

He said: "We now know exactly what is needed scientifically, logistically and technologically, we just need to get organised better to do it every time.

"We are actively trying to get funding for this vital work now and hope it will be all in place for the next big earthquake. The rapid response to this earthquake is helping us understand the critical issues."

Three Britons were among those killed in the earthquake - 14-year-old Marcos Burnett and married couple Maria and Will Henniker-Gotley.