A Latvian cargo was escorted to Stansted Airport after it was intercepted by RAF typhoon jets over Kent this afternoon.
The activity, caused after the plane lost contact with air traffic control at around 4.40pm, led to an explosive-lile blast over the county and parts of Essex
It has since emerged the sound was a sonic boom caused by an RAF aircraft intercepting a Latvian aircraft. And a recording has since emerged on Twitter appearing to show the voice of one of the RAF pilots warning the plane that it would be shot down unless it regained contact. The pilot is reported to have said: "I'm instructed by Her Majesty's government of the United Kingdom to warn you if you do not respond you will be shot down."
A statement posted to the RAF Coningsby Facebook page read: RAF Typhoon aircraft were launched from RAF Coningsby this afternoon to intercept a civilian aircraft that was causing concern to civil air traffic control.
"The aircraft was escorted safely to Stansted.
"During the operation, the aircraft were cleared to travel at supersonic speed - we apologise for any inconvenience or concern this may have caused."
