Earthquake hits market town of Ludlow

An earthquake hit the market town of Ludlow today, the British Geological Survey said.

The quake measured 2.5 magnitude on the Richter Scale.

A statement on the British Geological Survey's website said the earthquake in the town, which is close to the Welsh border, in Shropshire, happened at 12.16pm today, with a depth of 14km (8.75 miles).

There have not been any reports of injuries or major disturbances.

Earthquakes with a magnitude of around 2.0 are usually recorded but not felt by people.

According to the BGS, an earthquake measuring 2.0 on the Richter Scale would be equivalent to a large quarry or mine blast.

The two devastating earthquakes that struck northern Italy earlier this month were more than twice the size of that in Ludlow.

The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.0, hit near the city of Modena on May 20.

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck in the same area on May 29, killing more than 15 people and bringing down buildings.

West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service both said they had not received any calls relating to the earthquake.

Many people living in the area said they did not experience anything and were only aware of the quake from media reports and social media.

PA