Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire caused a sonic boom on Tuesday when they were sent to investigate and intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communications with air traffic control.
The sound wave was heard by many people with some taking to social media to enquire what the noise was. Kendra Little said: "At first I thought something had fallen from the sky and hit the roof. Then I thought a bomb had gone off." Others thought it was a couple of gunshots whilst others believed it was a car backfiring.
A Royal Air Force spokesperson said: "Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communications; 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."
Sam Harrison's doorbell camera captured the sonic boom.