Strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes between Spain and Morocco

A strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake has struck in the Mediterranean between Morocco and Spain.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake hit at 4.22am local time (3.22pm AEDT), 62km north of the Moroccan city of Al Hoceima and 164km east-southeast of Gibraltar.

The quake hit at a depth of 10km in the Alboran Sea and was followed by a second 5.3 magnitude tremor.