RAF fighter flies supersonic to intercept mystery aircraft near London

The RAF has confirmed that a Typhoon fighter from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire carried out a quick reaction alert to intercept a civilian aircraft after it lost communication as it flew towards London.

People in parts of Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Kent reported hearing a sonic boom as the jet flew at supersonic speed to reach the German business jet

The German executive jet had been heading for the Essex coast and London when contact was lost.

Communication was re-established and the aircraft was escorted safely away from central London and around Heathrow into Stansted airport.

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."

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