RESIDENTS across south Essex and further afield heard a loud bang this morning (Friday, 15 August), caused by a rapid response RAF jet.

The loud bang was reported at about 11:35am, prompting widespread social media speculation.

It has been confirmed the sound originated from RAF Typhoon jet going Supersonic on a quick reaction alert.

The jet escorted a private plane from Nice, which had lost radio contact with the ground, to Stansted airport then returned to its base in Lincolnshire.

A sonic boom occurs when an aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound, generating shockwaves that rapidly compress and decompress the air, producing an explosive noise.

A statement from Essex Police said: "Contact was re-established with the plane, which had been travelling from Nice, and was escorted into the airport by RAF aircraft.

"On the ground our officers determined there was nothing of concern."