Strong earthquake strikes Spain and Morocco

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the Mediterranean in the early hours of the morning, causing damage in coastal parts of Spain and Morocco.

There are unconfirmed reports in the Moroccan press that a child was killed and four people injured as a result of the tremor. The authorities in Spain reported no casualties.

The earthquake struck 100 miles south-east of Gibraltar and roughly 40 miles north of the Moroccan city of Al Hoceima at 5.22am local time, according to the US Geological Survey.

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The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, in Hawaii, said there was no risk of a tidal wave because the earthquake was located "too deep" inside the earth.

Six aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 5.3, were felt across Andalusia in southern Spain as well as northern parts of Morocco.

More than 200 homes reportedly suffered damage in the Spanish enclave of Melilla, in northern Morocco.

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"State TV footage showed people running into the streets in their pyjamas," says Sky News.

"Images also showed concrete blocks on the ground which had come crashing down from buildings in the city."