The Mafia reportedly want a best-selling Italian writer dead by Christmas after the success of his book about the mob.

Italian police are investigating reports that Naples crime bosses - the Camorra - have Roberto Saviano, 29, and his bodyguards at the top of their hit list after he penned Gomorra.

Adding to the Mafia's ire is the fact the book, which has sold 1.2 million copies and been translated into 42 languages, has now been turned into a successful film.

According to a supergrass, Naples notorious Casalesi clan - in Italian news recently over the murder of six Africans, which sparked riots by other immigrants - are said to have moved the threat to kill Saviano into the "operative" phase.

The source of the tip-off is said to be related to jailed Camorra godfather Francesco Schiavone, also known as "Sandokan".

Franco Roberto, a co-ordinator of the local anti-Mafia squad for Naples, said: "We've launched in inquiry to verify the truth behind this news."

On Monday, Saviano marked two years living in hiding, telling a radio programme: "Many days are terrible."

The writer, who spends some of his time boxing with bodyguards "who sometimes call me 'captain'", said it is the millions of people who bought the book who really worried the mob.

Some politicians have urged the Italian public to show their solidarity with the writer.

Ex-cabinet minister Giovanna Melandri said the Camorra is "one of the main cancers blighting our country", and added: "Nobody must touch Saviano!"

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