AN earth tremor shook parts of north Staffordshire and south Cheshire today, setting off fire alarms and causing a flood of calls to local police stations.

The tremor occurred at 4.50am and was felt in Kidsgrove, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Church Lawton and part of Crewe.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "We do not know how extensive the tremor was.

"Reports are still coming in, but as far as we know there is no damage. We have reports that a big bang was heard in Church Lawton.

"The tremor lasted about two seconds and was quite severe in Newcastle-under-Lyme. We have had reports that the tremor was felt in Crewe, Kidsgrove, Church Lawton and parts of south Cheshire. It is too early to say where the epicentre was."

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