Skeleton of man crushed to death by huge stone as he ran from erupting Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD is discovered

The skeleton of a man crushed to death by an enormous stone while trying to flee from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD has been discovered.

Pompeii officials released a shocking image showing the skeleton laying beneath the large rock they said may have been “violently thrown by the volcanic cloud”.

The victim, who was aged over 30, had his thorax crushed by the blow, experts said.

Archaeologists have not so far been able to find the victim’s head.

Officials said the man suffered an infection of the tibia, which may have caused walking difficulties, impeding his escape.

The archaeological site's general director, Massimo Osanna, called it `'an exceptional find," that contributes to a better "picture of the history and civilization of the age."