A TYPHOON het fighter passing over Thurrock appears the most likely cause of a large bang, likened to the sound of an explosion, that was heard in Grays and further afield in the borough this afternoon (Tuesday, 12 January).

Residents in the Stifford Clays area were among those reporting hearing the large noise around 1.10pm, with several calls made to Thurrock Nub News asking if we knew the cause. Later calls and messages came in from Tilbury and Stanford-le-Hope.

Investigations with emergency services showed no alarm had been raised then aircraft enthusiasts pointed out that a jet travelling over the area at the time may well have gone through the sound barrier.

It appears the jet was one of two scrambled RAF aircraft who were en-route to intercepting a private plane. The aircraft was travelling from Germany and had lost communication with air traffic controllers.

It was diverted to Stansted Airport by the Typhoon jets, which took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

An RAF spokesperson said: "The RAF can confirm Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communications; subsequently, communications were re-established, the aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted.

"The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons."

A former Grays resident now living in Hornchurch captured the sound of the jet as it passed over the area on his Ring doorbell device. See video.

A statement from Essex Police says: "We were contacted at just after 1pm today following concerns for a private aircraft which appeared to have lost radio contact.

"As a precaution the aircraft, which was a private plan travelling from Germany to Birmingham, was intercepted and escorted into Stansted airport. Those on board the aircraft were spoken to and all was found to be in order and the aircraft was allowed to proceed on its journey.

"During the incident residents across Essex and neighbouring counties may have heard a sonic boom. We would like to reassure everyone that the loud noise was related to this incident and we thank everyone for their concern."