EMERGENCY services said there was "no cause for concern" over a sonic boom heard over York and Yorkshire this evening.

Loud bangs were heard across the county at around 10pm, and many people took to social media to try to find out what caused the noises.

Both police and the fire service soon said the bangs were sonic booms, caused by Typhoon jets from RAF Coningsby.

A statement issued by the RAF said quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft were launched today from RAF Coningsby to identify an unresponsive civilian aircraft. 

Communications has been re-established and the aircraft safely landed, the statement added.

Air France have since confirmed that it was one of their passenger jets which suffered a communications problem and had to be escorted into Newcastle by the RAF jets.

The airline tweeted: "Air France confirms that due to a radio communication problem AF 1558 had to be accompanied by two British fighter aircrafts according to the procedure.

"The aircraft landed in Newcastle at 22.20 (LT). Safety of clients & crew is an absolute priority."