Watching Flightradar 24 as I type and a Lufthansa A319 on the way into Heathrow.It was at 14,000 feet as it crossed the Essex coast and down to only 12,000 feet as it passed north of Southend and basildon.At that height I doubt if even the starship Enterprise would look big.

May I point out that if by early evening, or late afternoon, you mean about five ish, that is one of the times when easyjet have a regular landing at southend. I know this because when travelling back from Rayleigh, heading past progress road, me and my mate always see the easyjet come in.

Therefore its reasonable to assume that ATC at Southend Airport were keeping an eye out for incoming aircraft. That means that the chances of them not having seen whatever that thing was, on thier radar screens is fairly flipping low. Perhaps its worth someone going down there and having a word with the controllers there.

I would, but Im sicker than a plauge ridden pigeon right now.

Image - Yeeah i know i use flightradar too and i have seen the odd low jumper occasionally i swear some are lower still a valid point though

TrueBrit - this is possibly true as well but ive just received a message on the book saying he lower than the clouds just sat there in the sky and made no noise, i understand he was in a car too so i dont know how much noise it would block out

He then said it went up turned into a white bright light and vanished he is pretty ad-amt it wasnt a plane or helicopter

I can post a screen shot of what he said if you like?