The 7.0 magnitude tremor, about 17km (11 miles) off the coast of western Izmir province, was felt as far away as Athens and Istanbul, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

As yet there are no reports of casualties but images from the Turkish city of Izmir showed buildings that had been badly damaged.

Reports said Friday’s quake was also felt on the Greek island of Crete.

Video’s are circulating on social media showing people searching through the rubble of collapsed buildings but the footage could not be verified.

Andrew Parsells currently on holiday in Crete spoke with Global247 News earlier. He told us, “I was sat on my sun lounger taking in the warm sun. Suddenly there was an enormous noise and everything started shaking.  It went on for what seemed like ages. Then as quickly as it started it finished.”