Homes shake as ‘sonic boom’ is heard over Uttlesford
A Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 taking off from RAF Fairford. Picture: MoD/Crown copyright - Credit: MoD/Crown copyright 2016
A loud bang heard by hundreds of homeowners across Uttlesford was caused by a fighter jet breaking the sound barrier, it has been confirmed.
Essex Police said it had been inundated with 999 calls after houses were shaken and a loud blast was heard across the county, including in Uttlesford, at about 6.45pm.
It has since confirmed that the noise was a 'sonic boom' caused by Typhoon jets breaking the sound barrier.
It has been reported, although unconfirmed, that the jets were scrambled from RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, to escort a Jet2 flight into Stansted Airport, amid reports of a suspect package on board.
It is understood that a woman has been arrested by Essex Police on suspicion of endangering an aircraft.
Taking to Facebook, one resident of Thorley said: "[It was] loud enough to make us all jump."
People living in High Roding, Newport, and Saffron Walden also reporting hearing the boom.
