A leading seismologist yesterday denied press reports that experts fear a strong earthquake in western Greece during the next few months, accusing his colleagues of self-promoting sensationalism.

Patras University Professor Akis Tselentis confirmed that two Athens and Thessaloniki university studies on potential quakes had been discussed at the Committee for the Evaluation of Earthquake Threats, but added: “We heard the views of some young colleagues, but did not advise the government to take action... If regional authorities have been sent secret warnings to be on guard, that is ludicrous.”

“I am afraid we will be caught like the boy who cried wolf and when we have something serious to say, nobody will believe us,” he added. “These people are trying to make a name for themselves.” A spate of small quakes has shaken western Greece over the past few weeks.