An earthquake measuring 2.5 on the Richter scale has been felt in Manchester.

There were no reports of any injuries.

In October 2002, the city was hit by a series of tremors which measured 3.9 on the Richter scale.

A spokesman for the British Geological Survey said: "The earthquake struck at about 11.50am. We received reports of disturbances from Manchester city centre, Stockport and Didsbury."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire Service said they had received no reports of injury or damage following the earthquake.

And police said they had received no calls following the tremor.

The spokesman for the British Geological Survey said: "We expect about eight earthquakes of this magnitude each year in the UK.

"The reason it has been felt by more people than usual is that it is quite shallow, about 5km (3.1 miles) deep, and it appears to have been in a built-up area.

"It appears to have been right in the centre of Manchester, the same location as the earthquakes in October 2002."

The Survey did not expect any structural damage as a result of the quake.