Typhoon aircraft were launched at super-sonic speed this afternoon to intercept a Latvian cargo plane, which was causing concern to air traffic control, the RAF said.
The aircraft was escorted to Stansted Airport and has since been cleared to continue its journey to Birmingham.
Jets were scrambled to intercept a cargo plane south of London today as part of the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert system, which has been tasked with defending British airspace since 1940.
Two air bases share this duty: RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire generally covers the south, and RAF Leuchars in Fife looks after the north.
The procedure that would lead to Typhoon jets being scrambled is described here by Flight Lieutenant Noel Rees:
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.