Kidnapped Italian child is dead-state television

ROME, Apr 1 (Reuters) A sick 18-month-old boy who was kidnapped in Italy a month ago is dead, Italian state television reported today.

Tommaso Onofri, who suffered from epilepsy, was snatched from his home on March 2.

The kidnapping transfixed Italy, with politicians, Pope Benedict, priests, singers and soccer players all appealing for Tommaso's release over the past four weeks.

State television RAI said police were searching for his body near a river around the city of Parma in northern Italy.

It said a mason who had done some work on the Onofri family's house had told investigators that the child was dead and led them to the site where his body was dumped.

REUTERS SK RN0133