Earthquake shakes central California

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 struck central California and was felt as far north as San Francisco and Sacramento, the US Geological Survey said tonight.

Police said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

In Redwood City, the quake delayed the high-profile double-murder trial of Scott Peterson after a juror reported feeling the shakes.

The earthquake, which struck at 10.15am (17.15 Irish Time) was centred nine miles south of Parkfield and 17 miles north east of Paso Robles, scene of an earthquake that killed two people in December 2003.