Woman arrested after RAF jets escort Jet2 passenger plane back to UK

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested after two RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled to escort a plane back to Stansted Airport.

Essex Police said a woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and endangering an aircraft.

British low cost airline Jet2 said there had been an “extremely disruptive passenger” on board its flight to Dalaman in southwest Turkey.

People online reported hearing an explosion, with police confirming the noise was a sonic boom.

One man described the noise a “huge bang” which “nearly blew my window out”.

Bishop’s Stortford police in Hertfordshire tweeted: “Large number of 999 calls coming in about a loud explosion.

“We have liaised with @EssexPoliceUK who are confirming that this is a sonic boom from a passing aircraft.”

A Jet2 spokeswoman said: “We are aware of an incident regarding an extremely disruptive passenger on a flight from Stansted to Dalaman earlier this evening.

“The aircraft has returned safely and we are liaising with the relevant authorities to support their investigation.

“We are working hard to ensure the remaining customers reach their destination as soon possible.”

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “We were made aware of a disruptive passenger on an inbound flight to Stansted this evening, Saturday June 22.

“There is a possibility that residents nearby may have heard a loud noise, often associated with a sonic boom, as the aircraft descended into Stansted airspace.

“Officers attended and arrested a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of two assaults and endangering an aircraft. She remains in custody.”

(c) Sky News 2019: Woman arrested after RAF jets escort Jet2 passenger plane back to UK