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'Sonic boom' heard in Northamptonshire
An explosion sounding like a 'sonic boom', which occurs when a plane breaks the sound barrier, has been heard over Northamptonshire.
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Boom heard across Northamptonshire caused by Typhoon Jets
The two bangs heard around Northampton and Brackley were caused by Typhoon jets which had been scrambled from an RAF base in Lincolnshire to identify an unresponsive aircraft.
Fire crews were mobilised following reports of the explosions and people posted on social media about feeling tremors just before 4pm this afternoon (Friday 8 April)
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue said crews were mobilised to reports of the explosions - but it was later confirmed the noise was caused by "two jets flying over the area creating a sonic boom".
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft were launched today from RAF Coningsby to identify an unresponsive civilian aircraft.
Sonic boom: 'I was on the phone and heard a massive bang'
Jessica Buck describes hearing the sonic boom over Oxfordshire. She was working in Witney hen she heard a loud bang.
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Military jet intercepting civilian aircraft caused sonic boom
The sonic boom was caused by a military jet intercepting an unresponsive civilian aircraft.
An RAF spokesperson said: “Quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft were launched today from RAF Coningsby to identify an unresponsive civilian aircraft.
"Communications were re-established and the aircraft has been safely escorted to Cardiff airport.”
'Sonic boom' heard in Northamptonshire
An explosion sounding like a 'sonic boom' has been heard over Northamptonshire.
Sonic boom is a common name for the loud noise that is created by the 'shock wave' produced by the air-plane that is traveling at speeds greater than that of sound.
It usually causes a loud bang and tremors can be felt on the ground.
The fire service have confirmed that the sound was caused by two Typhoon jets flying in the area.
