RAF Jets Escort Plane To Stansted

29 October 2014, 19:29 | Updated: 29 October 2014, 19:31

A Latvian cargo plane has been escorted by two RAF typhoon jets into Stansted Airport this afternoon.

The RAF aircraft were launched to intercept the plane which was causing concern to air traffic control.

A Russian Made Antonov An-26 cargo airliner from Latvia, was safely escorted after being intercepted by aircraft from RAF Coningsby.

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.

"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".

An Essex Police spokesman said: "The military jets were deployed as a precautionary measure when the cargo plane was diverted to Stansted Airport.

"This was due to a loss of communication with the aircraft.

"All three people who were on board have been spoken to by police.

"It was established that everything was in order and the reason for the short loss of communication was due to a change in airspace jurisdiction.

"Essex Police is not investigating the incident and the aircraft will be able to continue its journey to Birmingham when it's ready."

A sonic boom was caused by the jets breaking the sound barrier and was heard coming from the Dartford area and was also felt in Sevenoaks, Kemsing, Dartford, Faversham, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.