Some of the loudest explosions in memory have been heard from the Shoeburyness military range in Essex this afternoon.

Residents across Sheppey heard the three loud bangs, which were at about 3.10pm.

People on the mainland, including in Oare, Newington, Iwade and Whitstable also reported hearing the blasts.

John Crockford, of Kent Avenue, Minster, said his front door physically shook and he thought at first the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery had exploded.

The 'Monty' sank in August 1944 packed with munitions headed to Normandy to support then Allied war effort.

Twitter user Nat D had heard them in Oare and said the house shook.

The base across the Thames Estuary is operated by QinetiQ and provides tests and training services on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.