Explosion reported after US aircraft go missing

There have been unconfirmed reports of an explosion after two US jets went missing.

RAF spokesman Michael Mulford said the sound of an explosion had been reported in the Glenmore Lodge area in the Cairngorms.

Two single-seater F15 bombers disappeared from radar suddenly at lunchtime today.

The spokesman added no distress beacons, smoke or flames had been spotted.

He said two Nimrod aircraft, three helicopters, two RAF mountain rescue units and several civilian units had been scrambled to search the area of the reported explosion.

Mr Mulford said the military was extremely concerned and added: "At this point it's difficult to be anything other than sadly pessimistic."