People across Wales have told of their alarm after feeling the UK's biggest earthquake for almost a quarter of a century.
People across many parts of Wales have told of their alarm after being shaken by the UK's biggest earthquake for almost a quarter of a century.
The 10-second tremor just before 0100 GMT was felt in north, mid and south Wales, although its epicentre was in Lincolnshire on England's east coast.
The 10-second tremor just before 0100 GMT was felt in north, mid and south Wales, although its epicentre was in Lincolnshire on England's east coast.
The quake had a 5.3 magnitude, which the British Geological Survey said was significant.
The quake had a 5.3 magnitude, which the British Geological Survey described as significant.
It was the biggest since a tremor with a 5.4 magnitude in north Wales in 1984.
It was the biggest since a tremor with a 5.4 magnitude in north Wales in 1984.
The tremor was also felt in large parts of England, including Newcastle, Yorkshire, London, Manchester, the Midlands and Norfolk.
The tremor was also felt in large parts of England, including Newcastle, Yorkshire, London, Manchester, the Midlands and Norfolk.
Staff at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they had felt the earthquake in their headquarters in Rhyl.
Staff at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they had felt the earthquake in their headquarters in Rhyl.
The service took calls from people asking what had happened but were not called to any related incidents.
The service took calls from people asking what had happened but were not called to any related incidents.
The tremor was also felt by officers in the North Wales Police headquarters.
The tremor was also felt by officers in the North Wales Police headquarters.
'Sustained rumble'
'Sustained rumble'
Sian Fairlie, of Deeside, e-mailed BBC Wales to say the tremors were "rather scary".
Sian Fairlie, of Deeside, e-mailed BBC Wales to say the tremors were "rather scary".
She wrote: "At approx 0058 my partner and I felt a definite tremor which lasted 10-12 seconds, strongest felt since I was a child.
She wrote: "At approx 0058 my partner and I felt a definite tremor which lasted 10-12 seconds, strongest felt since I was a child.
"I was lying on the sofa and felt as if it was swaying, it certainly was enough to make me feel queasy! Also two loud bangs were heard, one during and one just as it ended."
"I was lying on the sofa and felt as if it was swaying, it certainly was enough to make me feel queasy! Also two loud bangs were heard, one during and one just as it ended."
Sarah Roberts, of Ruthin, Denbighshire, e-mailed to report that she and her partner had been aware that the house very obviously shook.
Sarah Roberts, of Ruthin, Denbighshire, e-mailed to report that she and her partner had been aware that the house very obviously shook.
She said: "Having settled our daughter to bed at 0030, we were both drifting off to sleep when there was an odd noise then a strong 'tremor'."
She said: "Having settled our daughter to bed at 0030, we were both drifting off to sleep when there was an odd noise then a strong 'tremor'.
"There was a rumbling noise and it just felt like the whole room shook.
"I was pretty sure. I remember the quake of '84. I was only 10 then."
Joshua Clare, who also lives in Ruthin, said: "I felt a definite sustained rumble and it was strong enough to rattle pictures on the walls."
Joshua Clare, who also lives in Ruthin, said: "I felt a definite sustained rumble and it was strong enough to rattle pictures on the walls."
Tommy Lee in Kinmel Bay said he felt the tremor as well.
Tommy Lee in Kinmel Bay said he felt the tremor as well.
Did you feel the tremor where you live? Send us your comments using the form below.
Did you feel the tremor where you live? Send us your comments using the form below.
