RAF Typhoon jets scrambled as 'sonic boom' heard over UK

RAF Typhoon jets scrambled to plane flying over London as 'sonic boom' heard over UK

People reported hearing a 'sonic boom' over southeastern England after two RAF Typhoon jets scrambled to intercept a private jet and escort it to a major London airport this morning

A huge "sonic boom" has been heard over parts of the UK after two RAF Typhoon jets scrambled to a private jet flying over London.

Locals in Essex and Kent reported hearing the loud noise as others said they terrifyingly felt their "houses shake" at around 11.30am this morning. Worried residents were left baffled as they spilled onto the streets following what is thought to have been a sonic boom over southeastern England. Two Typhoon jets from RAF Coningsby were reportedly sent to intercept the private jet over Cambridgeshire but tracking maps showed the jets also flew over London this morning.

The "sonic boom" is believed to have been caused by the RAF jet flying at a supersonic speed, indicating the planes broke the sound barrier.

The RAF jets intercepted a private Bombardier Global Express aircraft that appeared to be registered in the small landlocked country of San Marino, but was flying from Nice, France. This business aircraft was escorted to Stansted Airport and the incident did not impact passenger flights in and out of the airport and police said the incident was "nothing of concern".

One confused resident, on X, wrote: "Anyone else just hear a sonic boom over south Essex?" He then added: "Thought I was going mad, couldn’t see anything outside the house then checked Plane Finder."

Another person in Essex said: "Heard a bang in Braintree. Loud enough for people to go outside to have a look." Residents in Kent also reported hearing the unexpected noise, according to KentOnline.

Jenny Coxall said she heard a loud "vacuum-style" bang from her home in Greenhithe. She said: "I thought it was someone hitting our garage, but when I went outside, all our neighbours were on the street, wondering what had happened. Everyone thought it was some sort of demolition or a house explosion."

The area of England where the huge noise was heard include: Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Kent and parts of London.

An RAF spokesperson told the BBC: "We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) 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. The Typhoons are returning to base."

Essex Police said it began to receive reports of a sonic boom at about 11:40. A spokesperson said: "A flight has been escorted into Stansted Airport after it lost contact with the ground.

"Contact was re-established with the plane, which had been travelling from Nice, and was escorted into the airport by RAF aircraft. On the ground, our officers determined there was nothing of concern."