Ammon News - A trail runner has been mauled to death in a suspected bear attack in the Italian Dolomites.

Keen athlete Andrea Papi, 26, was reported missing by his girlfriend after he failed to return home from a run.

Mountain rescue teams and police were alerted and his badly injured body was found early on Thursday morning in Caldes, near Bolzano.

Officials said Andrea was running on trails on picturesque Mt Peller. It is an area that is home to more than 80 bears and there have been several attacks in recent weeks.

Last month, a 39-year-old hiker cheated death after he was attacked by a bear in the area and he described how he had 'fought for his life' to escape.

Andrea's body was found by mountain rescue teams using dogs and sources said he was dead at the scene and his body had 'injuries consistent with being attacked by a wild animal'.

Local mayor Andrea Maini said: 'To lose a young person in circumstances like this is tragic. Everyone is really shocked and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

'All I know is that he had gone for a run on the trails in the mountain and his body was found by rescue teams. It will be up to investigators to establish exactly now he died.'

Several signs are dotted around the mountain warning hikers and runners about bears and what to do if they encounter one.

These include not 'attracting bears in any way or leaving food for them' while if one approaches 'do not run but move away slowly'.

It adds: 'If the bear attacks you, do not react, stay calm or lie down slowly with your face down. The bear will probably stay close to you without physical contact.

'It is difficult to know if it is a fake attack or not. Playing dead before the contact gives the bear the feeling that you are not a danger.

'Lie on the ground, interlock your fingers at the back of your neck and shield your head with your arms. Try to remain still until the bear stops the attack and moves away. Do not run, shout or try to hit the animal. If you are wearing a backpack, it can be useful to protect yourself.'

Daily mail