'Explosions' heard across Essex as Ministry of Defence issues warning

Residents across Essex have reported hearing loud bangs similar to 'explosions' this afternoon (October 2). The noises were reported as being heard across the county in various locations.

People claimed on social media to have heard a loud explosion from South Woodham Ferrers, Hullbridge, Benfleet, and in the Rochford area of Essex. One person said they were left wondering what the noise was whilst in the vicinity of Southend Airport.

The locality of the noise means it is likely that people overheard noise generated by an activity conducted at the military's base in Shoeburyness. The range is a military site where people carry out activities including firing and detonating live ammunition, often over long distances.

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A number of activities are taking place at the site between September 30 and October 11 which could result in noise exceeding the usual self-imposed limit of 125 decibels at offsite monitors. Public use of the MOD foreshore between Shoebury Common and East Beach is prohibited. No further explosive activity is expected on Wednesday (October 2).

The area has historically been used for exploding ordnance and has a risk of unexploded objects. Fines and other penalties are applicable for when people breach the rules, including trespass, on the prohibited areas.

A statement on their website says: "As part of our daily process to manage explosive activity we conduct acoustic forecasting, modelling, test shots and monitoring. If it is assessed that the upper self-imposed limit of 125dB might be exceeded, the work is postponed until more favourable conditions prevail.

"However, it is not always possible to delay some work and this particular activity will proceed as long as predictions do not indicate that the MOD-adopted maximum noise limit of 140dB will be exceeded. This exception to the application of the usual upper limit (125dB) will only apply to a single event during the specified period. If you have any concerns about Range activity, you can contact the Careline team on qqshbenquiries@qinetiq.com or 0800 0560108."