Police launch assertion after earthquake hits North West as ‘loud explosion’ heard
The British Geological Survey has confirmed a 3.3-magnitude earthquake hit Lancashire near Carnforth at 11.23pm on Wednesday night (December 3) with residents reporting hearing a loud blast
Police say residents reported a “loud explosion” when a 3.3 magnitude earthquake hit the North West. The British Geological Survey (BGS) confirmed the tremor shook parts of England at 11.23pm on Wednesday night (December 3).
The quake’s epicentre was off the coast of Silverdale, near Carnforth and close to the Cumbria border, with a depth of 3km. The BGS has received numerous reports of the quake being felt in areas around Carnforth, Morecambe, Heysham, Burton-in-Kendal and Arnside.
Reports have also reached the BGS of the tremor being felt as far afield as Blackpool and Cleveleys to the south, and Kendal to the north. Lancashire Police stated they were not aware of any injuries or damage resulting from the earthquake, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A spokesperson for Lancaster Police posted on Facebook: “At 11.23pm on Wednesday night (December 3), we received reports of a loud explosion in the Carnforth area. There has been a minor earthquake in the area, near to the Lancashire and Cumbria border, measuring 3.3 magnitude.
“There have been no reports of anyone injured or damage caused but we have officers in the area, together with colleagues from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service. If you know of any property that has been damaged or potentially, please contact 101 – quoting log 1613 of December 3.”
The BGS informed Sky News that the tremor was felt ‘across the South Lakes and Lancashire, mainly within 20 kilometres of the epicentre, including Lancashire, Kendal and Ulverston’.
Numerous Facebook users replied to Lancaster Police’s Facebook post, verifying they had experienced the quake. One commented: “Felt like more than 3.4. Our whole street were out discussing it.”
Another remarked: “Thought the kid fell out the bed.” A third posted: “Woke us up in Morecambe.”
According to the BGS, it’s the second earthquake to strike the UK this month, following a 1-magnitude tremor in Newport, South Wales, on Monday. The organisation records between 200 and 300 earthquakes in the UK each year.
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