TalkTV interview interrupted by 'sonic boom' as 'whole building shakes'

A Brit stranded in Lebanon was left terrified after his interview with broadcaster TalkTV was interrupted by a sonic boom.

Alarmed Dan Harper's voice quavered and stuttered as he told the interviewer, summoning up as much calmness as he could manage, "I don't know if you just heard that, but that sounded like a sonic boom." He explained that the disturbance takes place when an aircraft "reaches the sound barrier".

Amid the conflict with Israel, he continued: "I've heard they do that as a scare tactic over the city... the whole building shakes and that's one of the things that makes you afraid." Dan went on to rationalise that he is a remote worker who can do his job "from wherever", but that "most people" aren't so lucky.

"They might have a business here, or have a job, or responsibilities - it's very difficult," he admitted. However, even if able to leave, Dan would have a challenge facing him if he decided to travel back to Britain to escape the conflict with Israel - as some have reported that it is "impossible" to secure a flight.

That is in spite of Keir Starmer urging Brits to leave immediately for their own safety. Hostility between Israel and the Iran-backed military group Hezbollah has been steadily increasing - and both parties seem ready to escalate.

Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, has advised troops that the recent strikes were “to prepare the ground for your possible entry", leaving little doubt that war is coming.

Starmer has announced that 700 British troops have already been sent to Cyprus and are on standby to assist in the event of an evacuation - but they are yet to act.

Keir Starmer yesterday declined to discuss a rescue mission, while he also refused to confirm the risk level to British troops' lives.

Many Brits are already desperate to leave, but are struggling after several airlines cancelled flights or ceased operations.

Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France and Air Arabia are among those who have axed flight schedules.

Middle East Airlines is soldiering on but has no flights available for at least a week after understandably fearful Brits panic-purchased all the airline tickets.

There are currently thought to be around 10,000 Brits in Lebanon, during a week believed to have been the most deadly the country has seen since the 2006 war.

Frustrated Brits have publicly discussed how the Labour government advised them to leave, but thus far have given them no help to do so.

The Ministry of Defence has sent over Royal Marine commandos, sailors and combat engineers, raising hopes of a successful rescue mission if conflicts escalate further - but it's a tense waiting game for those who, like Dan Harper, remain in Lebanon.