MYSTERY surrounds the source of a large boom that rocked parts of Thurrock last evening ( Saturday, 13 December).

It was heard around 6pm, and appears to have been loudest in the Chadwell St Mary, where residents left their houses, describing the noise as 'like a large explosion'.

There are many reports on social media of people hearing the noise, with speculation that it might have been a sonic boom.

However, there are no reports of military aircraft that are capable to make one being in the area.

Thurrock Nub News has contacted Essex Police and Essex Fire Service, but neither has any reports of an incident.