[Cherie]

Arista

A loud bang heard across Essex was a sonic boom caused by military aircraft, police have said.

Residents reported feeling their houses "shaking" after a "loud explosion" that was heard in Harlow, Epping, Chelmsford and Stansted at about 18:40 BST.

The sound sparked a large number of 999 calls, according to police.

Stansted Airport said two RAF Typhoon jets had escorted a Jet2 flight in to land because of a disruptive passenger on board.

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assault and endangering an aircraft.

The plane was en route to Dalaman in Turkey when it was redirected back to Stansted, an airline spokeswoman said.