Police have been quick to reassure residents there was no concern after hundreds reported a 'loud bang' and 'a huge explosion' right across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Thames Valley Police confirmed it had "received reports of a loud bang".

But a spokesman for the force said there was no indication of it being an explosion.

He said: "We have received reports of a loud bang. However, there is nothing to suggest that there has been an explosion."

READ MORE: 'Huge bang' heard all across Oxfordshire

And it has now been revealed that the sound was caused by RAF fighter jets scrambling to escort an aircraft which lost communications.

It is believed to have been a sonic boom that is caused when planes fly faster than the speed of sound.

The aircraft in question is understood to have landed at Stansted Airport just before 1pm.

The sound was heard across Oxfordshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

A statement from Leicestershire Police said: "We have received numerous calls in relation to a large explosion sound heard from various parts of the city and county.

"We like to reassure you that there is no concern however thank you for your immediate response to us."

Oxford Mail: Thames Valley Police has responded to reports of a loud bang soundThames Valley Police has responded to reports of a loud bang sound

At 12.15pm people from districts as far afield as Heyford, Botley and Bodicote in Oxford to Bicester, Banbury and Silverstone and Northampton took to Twitter to speculate about the cause.

One said: "House shook on both floors."

A poster on Bicester Chat wrote: "What on earth was that bang felt and heard in Bure…. Not sure where else, jumped on my belt buckle and my dog went mad!!!"

The post received more than 100 similar comments.

Visitors to Soho Farmhouse near Chipping Norton reported hearing an 'explosion'.

One said: "We are at Soho Farmhouse and at about 12.15 there was a very loud explosion somewhere in the vicinity - enough to make your chest vibrate.

"We can’t see where or how far away but sounded major."

At 12.41pm others reported they had heard "a boom, bang, crash and the sighting of jet fighters."

And The Farm at Radford tweeted: "Massive  sonic boom over North Oxfordshire at 12.14! Thought the house was falling down!"

In fact RAF Typhoons had been scrambled to intercept a plane which had suffered radio failure and was heading to London.

The fighters were reportedly supersonic on their way south from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

One contribution to the Oxford Mail from a reader said: "Just heard it and thought it sounded like the sonic booms l experienced each afternoon when on holiday in La Rochelle in the 1960s when they were testing Concorde."

The RAF has been contacted for comment.

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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