Shocked Scots told how the ‘ground shook’ after two RAF fighter jets intercepted Russian planes near the coast of Scotland.
The Typhoons were launched from Leuchars Station in Fife after two Russian planes were spotted flying in UK airspace yesterday.
Concerned residents across Perthshire, Fife and Tayside reported hearing a ‘massive bang’ which some mistook for an earthquake.
But the loud bang was actually the sonic boom created by the jets, which were travelling north faster than the speed of sound.
Dozens of worried Scots took to social media in a bid to find out what caused the explosion-like sound.
Diane Fraser said: “Heard this in Windygates Fife. Sounded like thunder. I was in the kitchen and felt the rumbling under my feet.”
Sarah Morag wrote: “I heard it too about half ten. It was really loud. I thought it was an explosion. Was waiting for sirens but never heard any.”
Lynne Clark added: “We felt the house shake but not the noise. Sonic boom was one of my many guesses. That is wild.”
An RAF spokesperson confirmed that two Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons were scrambled to intercept the Russian aircraft, which swiftly left the area.
They said: “As our Typhoons routed onto target, the two Tu-160 Blackjacks turned north away from the UK.
“QRA Typhoons remained in the area to deter any further activity near UK airspace.
“We always take every potential airborne threat to UK airspace very seriously.
“The incident has now concluded and all aircraft are ready for their next scramble, wherever and whenever it may be.
“It was a successful mission for all involved, both within the RAF and within the NATO alliance.
“We are always ready in our enduring mission of securing the skies.”
The latest mission came just two days after RAF jets were scrambled on Saturday after two Russian planes were found off the Scottish coast.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that two TU-142 Bear F maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare planes had entered UK airspace.
