A 3.3-magnitude earthquake was registered off the coast of Silverdale (Image: PA)

What you need to know about the earthquake

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

Some have claimed it was felt as far as Blackpool and Cleveleys to the south and Kendal to the north

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "At 11.23pm on Wednesday night (December 3), we received reports of a loud explosion in the Carnforth area. There has been a minor earthquake in the area, near to the Lancashire and Cumbria border, measuring

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