Bomb disposal experts conducted a controlled explosion on a car in the long-stay car park of Fiumicino airport in Italy on Thursday because it was suspected of belonging to a foreign fighter, Italy's ANSA news service reported, citing 'sources'.

The car, a Seat Alhambra with a British number plate, is thought to belong to a 37-year-old Sri Lanka-born British national who may now be in Syria fighting with jihadists.

The car was parked there by the suspect, whose initials are T.N.W., on March 24, ANSA said.