A 3.3-magnitude earthquake was felt in parts of southern England this morning, with witnesses describing houses shaking as if there had been “an explosion”.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) said it is investigating reports of an earthquake in Bedfordshire - and it could've been felt in parts of Hampshire.

Initial data on the BGS site suggested the quake was felt in the region of Leighton Buzzard at around 8.45am and was magnitude 3.3 at a depth of 10km.

Local police said they were taking a “large” number of calls from concerned members of the public.

Witnesses told the PA news agency they felt “strong” shaking during the tremor.

Usha Chapman from Luton said: “I was on a video call with my mum when I felt a sideways push. The door rattled and the TV fixed to the wall also rattled.

“It lasted for five seconds.”

Bedfordshire Police said no injuries had been reported.

The force said in a tweet: “Our control room are currently experiencing a large number of calls due to an earthquake which was felt across the county. We have currently received no reports of any injuries or major structural damage.”

One person in Aylesbury wrote online that their house shook “as if it was hit by a vehicle”.Another from Dacorum in Hertfordshire said: “Short quick quiet boom like an explosion.”