SCIENTISTS are investigating an earthquake felt in much of North and East Yorkshire and York tonight.

Calls flooded into the county's police control room shortly after 9pm from an area between York, Thirsk and Skipton, with reports also coming in from Riccall and other places south of York while people living in Manchester spoke of feeling their properties move.

The British Geological Survey is describing the quake as having been centered on Ripon in North Yorkshire, and is asking people in the area to complete their online questionnaire to help with their inquiries.

The US Geological Survey, using readings from a French base, is reporting it as having been six miles south-east of Leeds and six miles below ground, and with a magnitude of 3.7

One York resident spoke of hearing a very short deep rumble under his house like a very heavy lorry vibration or an explosion a long way off, although his property did not move.

Comparing it to North Yorkshire's last earthquake, which struck the region in February 2008, he said it was much shorter and not as dramatic.

There were no reports of damage or injury after the latest incident. Last month, Cumbria experienced two earthquakes, one with a magnitude of 3.5.

* If you felt the earthquake, please ring The Press newsroom on 01904 567131 (if calling before 8.30am on Tuesday, please leave a brief message with your contact daytime telephone number) or e-mail newsdesk@thepress.co.uk.