Three Britons named among victims of Amatrice earthquake

 Marcos Burnett, one of the British victims of the Amatrice earthquake. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Last modified on Friday 26 August 201612.45 ED

Three Britons including a 14-year-old boy were among 278 people killed in the earthquake in Italy, their families have said.

Maria and Will Henniker-Gotley, 51 and 55, and Marcos Burnett, 14, were killed when a 6.2-magnitude quake struck the town of Amatrice on Wednesday.

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 Maria and Will Henniker-Gotley. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

A statement issued on behalf of their families by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said: “[The] 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 Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are providing support to the families of Marcos Burnett and Will and Maria Henniker-Gotley following their tragic deaths in the earthquake in Italy. Our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.

“British embassy staff will continue working with local authorities regarding any further British nationals that may require our assistance.”

Italy’s prime minister, Matteo Renzi, has authorised a preliminary €50m (£43m) in emergency funding for the stricken zone, which on Friday was hit by a 4.7-magnitude aftershock while rescuers continued their search for survivors.