Residents across parts of south-east England reported hearing a sonic boom on Friday after RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost contact with air traffic control.
Three Typhoon jets were launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to investigate the plane, which was travelling from Nice in southern France. The aircraft was escorted to Stansted Airport after it was established there was no cause for concern.
The sonic boom occurred when the RAF jets were authorised to travel at supersonic speed. A sonic boom is created when an aircraft flies faster than the speed of sound, which at ground level is about 761mph (1,225km/h).
An RAF spokesperson confirmed: 'Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched today to investigate a civilian aircraft which was not in contact with air traffic control. Communications were re-established and the aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted.'
Essex police received reports of the sonic boom at around 11.40am and confirmed that officers determined there was nothing of concern after the plane landed.
