An incredibly loud sound shocked people across Great Yarmouth on Wednesday as US fighter jets conducted training flights in the area.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The sound of aircraft gave many a fright this morning Picture: Nick ButcherThe sound of aircraft gave many a fright this morning Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2011)

The sound was reported at around 7.50am, with many people saying they could not see the aircraft, but could feel vibrations and hear it in Bradwell, Gorleston, Caister and beyond.

Captain Elias Small, from the US Air Force at RAF Lakenheath, said: “I can confirm aircrews from the 48th Fighter Wing were operating over Great Yarmouth.

“The F-15s were flying in accordance with all UK airspace rules and limitations. Whenever possible, our pilots conduct their training over unpopulated areas, and we do our best to vary our flight paths as much as possible to minimize impact on individual communities. These flights facilitated a number of training requirements for aircrew and support personnel and are necessary to ensure a capable force.”