An earthquake of 6.4 magnitude was detected in the Mediterranean Sea west of the island of Crete yesterday, but there were no reports of casualties or damage, the Greek Police and fire brigade said.

The centre of the quake, which struck at 2.11pm, was 40km below the seabed 70 km west of Chania on Crete, the US Geological Survey said.

Greece is often rocked by earthquakes. Most cause no serious damage but a 5.9 magnitude quake in 1999 killed 143 people.

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