'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.
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.
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