ROME — Troubled digital newspaper 'The Local' has laid off its entire reporting staff of journalists in Italy, claiming the draconian measure is necessary as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK, media sources said Saturday.

 Two staff reporters working for the Italy portal of the website were advised at short notice they were being terminated.

 The Swedish-based site began its Italy operation in 2013. It is unclear whether the portal will be closed imminently or will continue to publish just  international news agency copy without original material.

 The move follows a cull of journalists by the Italian news agency ANSA's pressurised English service earlier this year.

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