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A rare earthquake rattled homes in parts of northwest England overnight, the British Geological Survey (BGS) confirmed.

Police say a 'loud explosion' was heard as the quake hit Lancashire at 11.23pm on Wednesday night (December 3).

The tremor struck off the coast of Silverdale, near Carnforth, Lancashire. According to reports, it was felt across Lancashire and the southern Lake District, in areas like Carnforth, Morecambe, Heysham, Burton-in-Kendal, Arnside, Kendal and Ulverston.

Some residents as far south as Blackpool and Cleveleys also reported feeling the earthquake. A tremor between magnitude 3.0-3.9 is defined as 'weak' on the Richter scale, and Lancashire Police says it is not aware of any injuries or damage as a result of the earthquake.

A spokesperson for Lanc

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