The sound was initially reported by people around Leicestershire, with later reports across Northamptonshire and by people in Banbury and Oxford.

The loud bang led to a swift reaction on social media as people speculated about the cause, including whether it was a jet breaking the sound barrier.

Twitter user Dr Jon Sutton said: "Massive boom heard over a wide area of Leicestershire. Aircraft, or meteor?"

Naomi tweeted: "Anyone in Leicester know what the hell that massive explosion was?? It shook our house and the birds are going crazy."

Another user wrote: "Very loud boom in Leicester about 15 mins ago. Felt the air shake - cats scared and ran indoors. Very unnerving - what the hell was it?"

However, Essex police tweeted an explanation, which said: "A flight has been diverted to Stansted Airport after communications with the pilot had been lost.

"The plane, which had been flying from Iceland to Nairobi via Southend was escorted to the airport by RAF jets and landed shortly before 12.50pm today (Saturday 4 March). Two people - a pilot and co-pilot - were on board."

After questioning, officers were satisfied the loss of contact due to an equipment malfunction and "nothing of any concern".

"The plane and those on board have now been released to continue their journey," the statement added.

Read more on Sky News:
Woman missing for 30 years turns up in Puerto Rico
Police dog recruitment drive told 'get your own'

An MoD spokesperson added: "Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coninsgby offered assistance to a civilian aircraft and were authorised to fly supersonic."

A sonic boom is caused when planes fly faster than the speed of sound, which at ground level is around 761mph.

When travelling at this speed, also known as Mach 1, the aircraft displaces the air and creates pressure waves that become compressed and then released in a shock wave.