An earthquake of 3.8 degrees on the Richter scale rattled five southern Spanish provinces on Thursday, a spokesman for the National Seismic Network said.

No injuries or important damage were reported.

The quake, which was preceded by two smaller ones and followed by three aftershocks, had its epicentre southwest of Moron de la Frontera near Seville.

Large numbers of frightened residents called police in Moron de la Frontera.