Italians shot dead in Florida

KISSIMMEE (AFP) - Two Italian tourists were shot several times near Walt Disney World in Florida.

The man and woman, who spoke no English and asked for their names to be withheld, were in serious condition. They had been walking down the pavement towards their motel near the theme park when two men began following them. Witnesses heard gunshots and found the victims on the ground.

The assailants, one of whom lost a shoe while fleeing, escaped in car driven by a third man. Violence against visitors has seriously damaged Florida's tourist industry, which is seeing its worst season in 20 years.