'Sonic boom' heard as RAF jets scrambled to escort aircraft to Stansted Airport

A sonic boom has been heard over Leicestershire as RAF fighter jets were scrambled to escort an aircraft which had lost communications.

The sound was also reported across Northamptonshire and by people in Banbury and Oxford.

A Ministry of Defence (MOD) spokesperson said: "Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coninsgby offered assistance to a civilian aircraft and were authorised to fly supersonic."

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The MOD also confirmed that the "civilian aircraft was directed to Stansted Airport and landed safely".

Leicestershire Police said it had received "numerous calls" but there was no need for concern.

A sonic boom is caused when planes fly faster than the speed of sound, which at ground level is around 761mph.

When travelling at this speed, also known as Mach 1, the aircraft displaces the air and creates pressure waves that become compressed and then released in a shock wave.

As long as the aircraft is flying at Mach 1 it will generate continuous sound waves, known as a boom carpet.

An aircraft flying at 20,000ft would create a sonic boom cone 20 miles wide.