Essex earthquake: British Geological Survey measures 2.6 magnitude tremor as locals woken by ‘loud bangs and rumble’

RESIDENTS were woken by “a loud bang and rumble” as a 2.6 magnitude earthquake hit Essex last night.

British Geological Survey sensors picked up the tremor near Bicknacre, with residents in nearby Chelmsford wondering if a “bomb” had gone off.

The 2.6 magnitude earthquake hit at 5:05am, and its focus was 8.8km below ground level.

One local described the earthquake as “like an underground train going under a bungalow.”

Another said it “felt like a piece of large furniture had fallen over”.

A third resident told the BGS said they were “awoken by a loud bang and rumble.”

Tremors were also felt in Wickford, Brentwood, Woodham, West Hanningfield, Great Baddow and Billericay.

Many Essex residents were left wondering what had happened.

A Chelmsford woman said: “Was that a bomb or sonic boom?

“I heard a loud boom just before my house shook.”

Linda said: “I felt it too. I honestly thought I was dreaming.”

Dean said: “I’m in Woodham – I woke up and the house was shaking.”

Wayne said: “I thought it probably just a lorry driving over potholes.”

It comes after the BGS recorded a 1.5 magnitude earthquake in Blackpool on 3 February.