The shoreline at Silverdale (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)

A “loud explosion” was heard as an earthquake hit parts of the North West last night. The 3.3-magnitude earthquake hit the region at 11.23pm on Wednesday December 3, according to the British Geological Survey (BGS).

The earthquake struck off the coast of Silverdale, near Carnforth and close to the border with Cumbria as the BGS received multiple reports of the earthquake being felt in that area as well as Morecambe, Heysham, Burton-in-Kendal and Arnside. Some have also claimed it was felt as far away as Blackpool and Cleveleys to the south and Kendal to the north.

Lancashire Police said it wasn’t aware of any injuries or damage, as reported by the MEN . A spokesperson for the force wrote on Facebook : "At 11.23p

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