FOLKESTONE and Dover have been hit by what is believed to be an earth tremor, less than two years after east Kent was rocked by a quake.

The tremor, which measured 2.8 on the Richter scale according to initial estimates, was felt in the centre of Folkestone town at 2.35pm today.

The British Geological Survey said the movement was only registered on its Folkestone instruments.

A spokesman said: "It was huge on our Folkestone instruments, but not looking very big elsewhere, just a big localised event."

Pupils at the Harvey Grammar School in Folkestone have been sent home due to fears about the structural safety of the building. The quake on April 28 2007 badly affected the school building, which was partially closed for many months.

Shepway District Council officials felt the tremor in their Castle Hill Avenue building, which is eight storeys high.

A spokesman said: "From people who experienced the earthquake in 2007 it definitely felt similar."

Folkestone fire station in Park Farm Road said it had felt the movement but had not yet had any emergency calls.

Dungeness Power Station confirmed it had no involvement in the movement.

Dover residents have also reported feeling the tremor in River, Whitfield and Buckland.

Mum-of-one Karol Steele claimed to feel the earth shake when she was at her Buckland Avenue home. She said: "I was just going to the shop when I felt it. There was definitely a tremor."

Mum-of-two Angela Miller, 39, of Newlyns Meadow in Alkham, said she was getting ready for the school run to River primary where her two girls go when she felt the mini quake.

She said: "It was a smaller version of last time. I was just ready for the school run and the house shook and the floor wobbled.

"I went to the window and my neighbours were all coming out into the street."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police has received reports of an earthquake tremor in the Folkestone area at around 2:30pm today.

"Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Services have at this time received no reports of any structural damage or injuries.

" We will continue to liaise with our partner agencies to ensure we are providing help and support in any areas needed."

Anyone with any concerns regarding how this has affected schools or other Kent County Council related issues can call 0845 824 7247.

Did you feel the earthquake? Send us your comments or call 01303 850999.

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This map details where the tremors were felt and will be constantly updated. To view details of the locations, click on the map markers.

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