MoD confirms 'sonic boom' which shook Harrogate was fighter jet (From York Press)

MoD confirms 'sonic boom' which shook Harrogate was fighter jet

5:16pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Harrogate and Ripon news

A LOUD bang which shook Harrogate was caused by a fighter jet breaking the sound barrier, the MoD has confirmed.

Residents of the town were shocked by the mysterious bang yesterday afternoon.

North Yorkshire Police launched an investigation into the noise and ruled out an explosion, earthquake or unusual weather conditions. Today Sub Lieutenant Max Cosby, of the Royal Navy, said: “The MoD can confirm that a Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby was authorised to go supersonic over land at 3.53pm yesterday.

“Any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted.”

As reported by The Press yesterday, jets are flying over North Yorkshire as part of an exercise drill, in preparation for the Olympics.