Olympics: Torch diverted from third Italian town

TURIN - The Olympic torch was diverted away from an Italian town on Wednesday because police feared planned protests could harm torch bearers and spectators, organisers said.

It was the third town near the Winter Olympics host city of Turin from which the torch was diverted since Sunday.

Police told organisers to skirt the town of Avigliana, which lies between Turin and the French border.

The Winter Olympics organising committee (TOROC) said on Sunday police advised against entering Bussoleno and Borgone Susa, two towns in the Susa Valley which is a focal point for a campaign against a high-speed rail project.

- REUTERS