A huge “sonic boom” has startled people across north London and Hertfordshire.
The loud bang could be heard across southern England, with many people in north and east London reporting that their floor shook and windows rattled.
It is believed that the sound could also be heard in parts of Hertfordshire and Essex too.
And the disruptive bang has caused people to speculate what it is.
The RAF has now confirmed that the sound was casued by a private jet travelling from Germany, which lost communication with traffic controllers and was diverted to Stansted Airport by the RAF jets.
Video of the Typhoon ZK357 flying over Stansted Airport after a QRA scramble to escort a aircraft into the airport pic.twitter.com/4AEFfVrzyY
— Intel Air & Sea (@air_intel) January 12, 2021
An RAF spokesperson said: "The RAF can confirm Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civillian aircraft that had lost communication. Subsequently, communications were re-established, the aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted.
"The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel