Police in Italy have reportedly placed 27 people under investigation as part of a major anti-mafia sting in Lombardy.

Coordinated raids were carried out across the northern Italian region in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A town mayor was among those accused of corruption, linked to the Ndrangheta mafia clan. Media in Italy say he is accused of awarding construction contracts to the organised crime group.

In total, 21 people were reportedly arrested, the others were either placed under house arrest, or indicted. The charges are said to include extortion, abuse of office, bodily harm, drug trafficking and bribery.