5.9-magnitude tremor hits near Greek island

Seismology centre says earthquake struck at relatively shallow depth

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake has struck the Mediterranean south of the Greek island of Crete, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) has said.

The earthquake hit at a depth of 10km (6 miles) on Saturday afternoon, according to the EMSC.

The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the epicentre of the quake was 55km south of the city of Ierapetra, Crete.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, the police, fire brigade and civil protection authorities said.

Tremors are common in Greece, which is an earthquake-prone region.

Addional reporting from Reuters