WARNING: Disturbing images.

AN AFRICAN migrant has drowned in a canal in Venice as onlookers filmed him on their mobile phones and reportedly laughed and made racist comments.

Disturbing footage posted on Italian news websites shows the man struggling to stay afloat in the Grand Canal.

At least three lifebuoys were thrown into the water near the man but he did not appear to reach for them raising speculation he wanted to take his life.

No one jumped in to help the man, named as 22-year-old Gambian Pateh Sabally.

Bystanders can reportedly be heard shouting at the man, with one yelling: "Go on, go back home".

Another onlooker apparently shouted: "He is stupid. He wants to die".

Authorities are now investigating the incident which police say happened on Sunday.

Italian media said Sabally had arrived by boat two years ago and had residency papers for Italy.

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