Click here to hear the earthquake hit during Edwina Currie's live broadcast on BBC Radio Five Live

Only minor damage has been reported

The tremor - which lasts for around 30 seconds - begins at approximately 0054 BST and its epicentre is around Wolverhampton and Dudley in the West Midlands. But people far afield as London and North Yorkshire feel the effects of the quake.

A resident at the quake's epicentre: "The vibrations pinned me to the bed"

Alex Potter in Birmingham: "My first thought was it's a bomb"

Stephen Delaney in Staffordshire: "A shockwave hit the windows"

Alan Warner in Buckinghamshire: "I've never experienced an earthquake"

Many worried residents call the police

Emergency services' switchboards across England and Wales are swamped with calls. West Midlands Police receive 5,000 calls within an hour of the tremor happening and 600 calls to the 999 number. Many callers believe an intruder has broken into their homes.

Inspector Bob Wilson of Merseyside Police: "One person thought there was somebody in her attic"

UK tremors are not uncommon say scientists

Between 150 and 200 quakes occur in Britain each year, but only 10% are strong enough to be felt. Although the earthquake was large by British experiences, tremors in places like California, Japan and India can reach seven on the Richter scale.

Seismologist Dr Chris Browitt: "It is alarming for people when it happens"