Terrified tourists fled as a man allegedly set fire to bins and check-in screens at an airport in Italy today.

The suspect is said to have rampaged through Terminal 1 at the Milano Malpensa Airport in Milan with a hammer.

He was wrestled to the ground by airport staff and security guards as smoke and flames were seen behind him.

Onlooker Sophia Kin said that she 'turned around and saw the check-in desk on fire'.

She added: 'Everyone around me was in panic mode.'

Local media reported that the suspect 'directed his anger only at the airport furnishings, without attacking passengers or staff on duty'.

Police said the suspect was a resident in his late 20s. They did not give details on a motive.