This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29823148

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
RAF jets intercept Lithuanian cargo plane over Kent RAF jets intercept Latvian cargo plane over Kent
(35 minutes later)
Two RAF jets scrambled to intercept a Lithuanian cargo plane created a sonic boom over Kent. Two RAF jets scrambled to intercept a Latvian cargo plane created a sonic boom over Kent.
The Russian-made aircraft lost contact with air traffic controllers and was escorted to Stansted Airport by the pair of Typhoons.The Russian-made aircraft lost contact with air traffic controllers and was escorted to Stansted Airport by the pair of Typhoons.
Kent Police received several calls reporting a loud bang coming from the Dartford area at about 16:40 GMT.Kent Police received several calls reporting a loud bang coming from the Dartford area at about 16:40 GMT.
An airport spokesman said police officers surrounded the aircraft after it landed at 17:15.An airport spokesman said police officers surrounded the aircraft after it landed at 17:15.
A blast was felt across the county, according to posts on Twitter.A blast was felt across the county, according to posts on Twitter.
The airport spokesman said surrounding the plane was standard procedure when communication had been lost with an aircraft.The airport spokesman said surrounding the plane was standard procedure when communication had been lost with an aircraft.
He said officers were later stood down and the plane was continuing its journey.He said officers were later stood down and the plane was continuing its journey.
Tweetdeck founder Iain Dodsworth tweeted audio of the blast, which he described as an "explosion".Tweetdeck founder Iain Dodsworth tweeted audio of the blast, which he described as an "explosion".
'Supersonic speed''Supersonic speed'
An RAF spokesman said: "Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft south of London which was causing concern to air traffic control authorities.An RAF spokesman said: "Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft south of London which was causing concern to air traffic control authorities.
"The aircraft was safely escorted to London Stansted."The aircraft was safely escorted to London Stansted.
"To fulfil their quick reaction role the Typhoons were cleared to travel at supersonic speed, any noise disturbance as a result of this is regretted. Essex Police now have the lead." "To fulfil their quick reaction role the Typhoons were cleared to travel at supersonic speed, any noise disturbance as a result of this is regretted."
The RAF confirmed the aircraft was a Russian-made Antonov An-26.The RAF confirmed the aircraft was a Russian-made Antonov An-26.
In a tweet it apologised if crews had "startled people" but added that jets only went supersonic over land when absolutely necessary.In a tweet it apologised if crews had "startled people" but added that jets only went supersonic over land when absolutely necessary.
In a statement, Essex Police said military jets were deployed on a precautionary basis when a Lithuania-registered cargo plane was diverted to Stansted. In a statement, Essex Police said military jets were deployed on a precautionary basis when a cargo plane was diverted to Stansted.
The force said: "This was due to a loss of communication with the aircraft. The aircraft landed safely."The force said: "This was due to a loss of communication with the aircraft. The aircraft landed safely."
Police said all three people on board had been spoken to and it was established everything was in order. Police said three people on board, who were all Lithuanian, had been spoken to and it was established everything was in order.
The reason for the short loss of communication was a change in airspace jurisdiction, police said.The reason for the short loss of communication was a change in airspace jurisdiction, police said.
Officers said they were not investigating the incident and the aircraft would be able to continue its journey to Birmingham when ready.Officers said they were not investigating the incident and the aircraft would be able to continue its journey to Birmingham when ready.
Stansted said the plane was expected to leave the airport later but staff still had to organise a take-off slot and the aircraft could have to refuel. Stansted said the plane was expected to leave the airport later but staff still had to organise a take-off slot and refuelling.