UPDATE: RAF Coningsby Typhoon aircraft responsible for sonic boom over Peterborough

The aircraft were scrambled to investigate a civilian aircraft which had lost radio contact with air traffic control, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

A spokesman said: “The MoD can confirm that Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched from Quick Reaction Alert this afternoon to investigate a civilian aircraft which had lost radio contact with air traffic control.

“The civilian aircraft re-established comms prior to intercept and was released to proceed en route.

“The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to go supersonic over land for operational reasons, any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted.”

Thursday, 2.50pm: RAF Coningsby has not ruled out its involvement with a sonic boom over Peterborough this afternoon (June 5).

The noise was heard as far away as Market Deeping and Huntingdon with many saying their homes shook at the noise just after 1pm, according to The Standard’s sister title the Peterborough Telegraph.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “The noise was caused by an aircraft breaking the sound barrier and causing a sonic boom.

“We are aware of the incident and there is nothing for people to be concerned about, so we ask people not to call 999 about this.”

It has prompted speculation the Eurofighter Typhoons at RAF Coningsby may have been behind the noise.

However, a spokesman for RAF Coningsby said until the results of an investigation were known, it was not even possible to say if it was one of the force’s aircraft.

He said: “The RAF is investigating the incident at the moment and I can’t confirm one way or the other if it’s a RAF aircraft or not.”

He added once the investigation was complete, a statement would be released.