15/01/2009

Earthquake Rocks The Shetlands

Residents on Shetland have felt the effects of an earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale.

The "seismic activity" is currently being investigated by seismologists and the British Geological Survey.

According to Northern Constabulary, it received calls from residents reporting a large bang and houses shaking.

A police spokesman said: "We received a number of reports around 5.35am from residents in the Tingwall and Mossbank areas of Shetland. They reported hearing a bang and their houses shaking."

He added that there were no reports of any injuries or damage to properties.

A BGS spokeswoman said the location of the quake was "quite unusual" as it was not an area known for its seismic activity.

Dr Aoife O' Mongain of the BGS said: "There is seismic activity on our chart at our Lerwick station which we are analysing.

"This activity has also appeared on our chart in Plockton in the Western Isles, but has not travelled as far as Edinburgh."

Shetland Coastguard Watch Manager David Phillips said: "I was sitting at work early this morning when the building shook momentarily.

"We then got phone calls from members of the public who were concerned because they had heard banging and shaking.

"We have had no reports of any aircraft emergency or anything unusual happening. It certainly made us sit up and take notice."

(JM/BMcC)

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