People across east Kent have reported their houses shaking at the same time as an earthquake hit France this afternoon.

Social media is rife with speculation after three rumbles were felt at about 12.45pm.

At the same time a small earthquake measuring 2.1 on the Richter Scale was recorded in central France, but it is thought test explosions in Shoeburyness, Essex, are more likely to blame.

Three booms were reportedly heard in Canterbury and the surrounding villages, with one woman from Faversham saying her house shook and the lights went out.

MOD Shoeburyness warns on its website that "explosions may be noticed by communities in the vicinity of the Thames Estuary" today.