A huge “sonic boom” has startled people across north London and Hertfordshire.

The loud bang could be heard across southern England, with many people in north and east London reporting that their floor shook and windows rattled.

It is believed that the sound could also be heard in parts of Hertfordshire and Essex too.

And the disruptive bang has caused people to speculate what it is.

The RAF has now confirmed that the sound was casued by a private jet travelling from Germany, which lost communication with traffic controllers and was diverted to Stansted Airport by the RAF jets.

An RAF spokesperson said: "The RAF can confirm Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civillian aircraft that had lost communication. 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."