The Italian government has declared a state of emergency at the Pompeii archaeological site to try and rescue it from neglect.

The cabinet said it would appoint a special commissioner to look after the Roman city buried by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Archaeologists have complained about the poor upkeep of the Pompeii treasures plagued by lack of investment, weeds, litter, graffiti and looting.

Around 2.5 million tourists visit Pompeii each year and many have expressed shock at the poor conditions at the site.

The "state of emergency" would last for a year and allows for extra funds and special measures to be taken to protect the site.

A regional councillor Antonio Irlando said every year around 150 square metres of fresco and plaster work are lost for lack of maintenance.

Two-thirds of the 165 acre town have been uncovered since serious excavations began 260 years ago.

The remaining third is still buried but the ground above it is being used as an illegal rubbish dump scattered with tyres, fridges and mattresses.

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