A loud bang heard across the News Shopper patch this afternoon was the result of Typhoon planes being launched to escort a plane in British airspace.

The bang was reported in Petts Wood, Chelsfield, Swanley, Gravesend and Wilmington.

It happened at around 4.45pm.

The bang has been described as "almighty", shaking windows and entire houses.

News Shopper tracked down RAF Wing Commander Martin Tinworth who told us: “I can confirm there was an aircraft in south London which lost contact with air traffic control.

“We launched some Typhoons from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and escorted the aircraft to safety.

“Our aircraft did indeed go supersonic which would explain the boom.”

Meanwhile Stansted Airport said an Antonov-An 26 - a Russian-built Latvian cargo aircraft - was escorted to the airport and landed at around 5.15pm.

It was met by police who took it to a remote hangar and carried out a check and the incident was stood down with no issues.

Laura Adams, 30, from Farnborough, Bromley said: “We heard a loud bang.

“Friends on Facebook in Edenbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Hadlow have also heard it - we don’t know what it was.”

Julia Parkes, from West Malling, said: "To start with I thought 'bloody hell the chimney has fallen off'.

"I went outside and the dogs were going mental.

"I couldn't see anything but it shook the whole house."

Kent police said earlier it was the sonic boom of a jet aircraft, while speculation on Twitter suggested it was substation "going boom".

Meanwhile there were reports of an explosion in Farnborough.

Did you hear the bang? Call the news desk on 01689 885 711 or e-mail patrickgg@london.newsquest.co.uk