Paolo Pedrizzetti, 66, is reported to have died with his wife after falling from a seventh-floor balcony at their home in Arona, northern Italy.

His photo of a protester aiming fire at a young policeman in Via De Amicis, Milan on 14 May 1977 became the ‘symbol of an entire era,’ reports La Stampa.

The officer, Antonio Custra, who had been deployed to help contain protesters, died after being struck in the head by a bullet.

Pedrizzetti trained as an architect and had a passion for politics.