A LOUD bang heard across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties was last night confirmed as a super-sonic boom from a Typhoon jet scrambled to deal with an emergency.
The Ministry of Defence said two aircraft were sent up in response to a helicopter that let out an emergency signal by mistake.
A spokesman added: “It is thought the helicopter was over the Oxfordshire area. The Typhoon aircraft, based in Lincolnshire, are part of a quick action alert team that respond to anyone who puts out that kind of signal.
“Fortunately, it was a false alarm.”
Police said they were inundated with calls at about 6.30pm, and fire crews were also sent out to investigate.
Thames Valley Police Duty Inspector Phil Rogers said people called in reports from Chipping Norton, Burford, Banbury and North Newington, right up to Swindon and Warwick.
Reports were also received in Birmingham and down to Southampton.
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