Second 'bigger' earthquake hits Rutland

A 3.5-magnitude earthquake has struck the Rutland area of the East Midlands, the second tremor to hit the region in as many days.

The latest seismic event, which occurred 24 hours after a 3.2-rated quake, was described by one resident as "a long term solid shake" that lasted around 10 seconds.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) confirmed both quakes - at 7.07am Thursday and 7.50am Friday - had an epicentre near Oakham, with the second tremor felt as far away as Peterborough and Kettering.

Around 750 people contacted the BGS following the latest tremor to report items shaking - with one person relating how it caused ripples to spread over the surface of a cup of tea.

Edinburgh-based BGS seismologist David Galloway said the second quake was unusual in that it was more powerful than the previous day.

"We can't call this an aftershock because it's slightly bigger than yesterday," Mr Galloway said.

"Most reports are that it was the same sort of experience but just slightly stronger.

"One or two people have reported items falling off shelves and someone said the tea in a cup rippled as they were having breakfast."

In comments posted on the BGS Facebook page, residents in the Rutland area and neighbouring Lincolnshire likened the second tremor to a 5.2-magnitude quake in Market Rasen in February 2008.

Facebook user Dave Stevens, who lives in Oakham, wrote: "Definitely another quake, but different to yesterday's.

"This morning's felt more like the 2008 Market Rasen quake. It really rattled the doors of my shower!"

Another visitor to the BGS social media site, Ian Barron, posted: "Just experienced a second earthquake at 7.50 am the next day. Scary stuff living in Whissendine."

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