A suspected meteor shower in Scotland triggered calls to police from people claiming their homes shook.

The spectacle yesterday evening was witnessed across Scotland, and prompted many to report the sight of a "fireball" in the sky and a violent bang.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said they began receiving calls at around 6.55pm yesterday evening.

She said: "One told us the sky had been lit up with an object like a fireball. Another caller said there was a very loud bang and others said the house shook.

"We know police in Inverness and in the south also received calls - it was seen by people across Scotland.

"We have checked and been told it was likely to be a meteor shower."

The bright white streak across the night sky sparked speculation on social media whether it was an astronomical event, military activity or, perhaps more far-fetched, linked to British astronaut Tim Peake.

Inverness SNP member Jackie Hendry tweeted: "Did anyone else see that big white flash in the sky... I reckon it was Tim Peake."

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said they would not discuss if there was any link to any operations in the area.