A moderate earthquake has struck southern Mexico, shaking buildings in the capital and sending frightened people out into the streets, Belfast Telegraph said.

Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera reported via his Twitter account that there were no early reports of damage.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 and struck at 12.19am local time about 76 miles south of the Mexican capital.

The epicentre was 14 miles west of the town of Jolalpan in Puebla state. It had a depth of 33 miles.

Mancera said repair work was under way after electrical services had gone out in parts of the city.

The epicentre was in Guerrero state near the border of Puebla. The governors of both states also reported no early indications of damage.