Why a sonic boom was heard in parts of England

16 Aug 2025 • 4:15 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A sonic boom was heard across parts of Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Kent, and London on Friday morning.
  • The loud bang was caused by two RAF Typhoon fighter jets that were scrambled from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
  • The jets were launched to intercept a San Marino-registered private aircraft that had lost contact with air traffic control.
  • The civilian aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted Airport, where communications were re-established.
  • Essex Police confirmed that officers on the ground found nothing of concern after the aircraft landed.

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