Greek authorities are investigating a case in which a family allegedly hid an elderly woman's death for years so they could keep collecting her pension, after her body was found wrapped in plastic in the basement of the family's home in Marathon, northeast of Athens.

Firefighters fought blazes along at least four fiery fronts during the night night. Fires broke out at Marathon, Arkadia, Achaia and Kefalonia.

Athlete participation in this year's 33rd Athens Marathon held on November 8 is expected to reach new record highs, the president of Greek athletics federation (SEGAS) Kostas Panagopoulos said at a presser on Thursday, as he presented the Greek capital's leading sporting event.