Homes rocked as RAF jets cause sonic boom

North Yorkshire Police confirmed that the loud bangs heard over a wide area at about 10pm had been produced by RAF Typhoon jets, adding: “No cause for concern”.

The military jets were scrambled from RAF Coningsby near Lincoln to escort an Air France airliner which had not kept in contact while flying from Paris to Newcastle.

An RAF statement said: “Quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft were launched today from RAF Coningsby to identify an unresponsive civilian aircraft.

“Communications were re-established and the aircraft has been safely landed."

Air France tweeted: “Air France confirms that due to a radio communication problem, AF 1558 had to be accompanied by two British fighter aircrafts according to the procedure.

“The aircraft landed in Newcastle at 22.20. Safety of clients & crew is an absolute priority.”

A sonic boom is created when aircraft pass through the air faster than the speed of sound — about 760mph.

It occurs because the aeroplane creates a series of pressure waves in front of it and behind it — similar to the bow and stern waves created by a boat — which are forced together and eventually merge into a single shockwave.

Did you hear the sonic boom? Tweet us your comments @rotherhamtiser.

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