MYSTERY explosions mistaken for thunder could have been a road sweeper engulfed in flames.

Black smoke was seen from the Mile End area last Friday between 5pm and 6pm.

A resident from Defoe Crescent also described loud rumbling.

She said: “I just heard two explosions then saw the thick smoke.

“This was followed by a few smaller bangs and then sirens.”

“It was pretty loud for us to hear it here on Defoe Crescent.

After making enquiries with Emergency Services, the Essex Fire and Rescue Service said it could have been a road sweeper on fire, in Boxted Road.

Firefighters responded to reports at 5.23pm.

The fire was then extingushed at 6pm.