People across parts of south-east England have reported hearing a sonic boom after RAF fighter jets were sent to intercept a civilian plane.

Three Typhoon jets were launched from RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, on Friday morning to investigate the aircraft, which was not in contact with air traffic control.

The plane, which had been travelling from Nice, in southern France, was escorted to Stansted airport after it was established there were no concerns.

People in Essex reported hearing a loud bang after the jets were authorised to travel at supersonic speed.

A Royal Air Force spokesperson said: “We can confirm that RAF ‘Quick Reaction Alert’ Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched today to investigate a civilian aircraft which was not in contact with air traffic control, communications were re-established and the aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted.”

Essex police said they were called at about 11.40am after the

flight lost contact with the ground.

“Contact was re-established with the plane, which had been travelling from Nice, and was escorted into [Stansted] airport by RAF aircraft. On the ground our officers determined there was nothing of concern.”

A sonic boom is caused when planes fly faster than the speed of sound, which at ground level is about 761mph (1,225km/h).

The aircraft displaces the air and creates pressure waves that become compressed and are then released in a shockwave.

An aircraft flying at 20,000ft (6,100 metres) would create a sonic boom cone 20 miles wide.