A Clitheroe man has captured these stunning images of military helicopters flying over his house.

The amateur photographer, who did not wish to be named, said he was ‘shocked’ to see the group of six Chinooks and five Apache helicopters flying past his home on River Lea Gardens in Clitheroe on Thursday (June 1) afternoon.

He said: “I've seen the odd Chinook over before but nothing like this, and I've never seen an Apache before in real life, this was something very special.

“It is not something you see flying over your house every day. 

“I first heard and felt a rumble from inside the house and just knew it was a helicopter so I rushed to grab my camera. When I actually saw six Chinooks I was amazed and then I tried to start taking pictures only to find my memory card wasn't in the camera.

“But then I heard some more and grabbed the memory card and rushed out again. This time I was even more shocked when I saw around 5 Apache helicopters so started snapping away.,

“The Chinooks first headed past Clitheroe Castle. Then a minute later the Apaches flew overhead before turning towards Pendle Hill.”

He said the sound was something quite unique, “You could hear them coming that's for sure. I'm not sure they would be any good in a stealth operation!”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The Apache helicopters spotted  over Lancashire

Lancashire Telegraph:

It appears the helicopters were part of military demonstration taking place in Carlisle.
According to reports, a partnership has seen troops from the Dutch air force train in Cumbria at RAF Spadeadam.

Military helicopters including Apaches and Chinooks from the Netherlands completed over 150 simulated missions training with the team from the RAF as part of operation Tac Blaze.

Here is some video footage captured by another resident, Jonny.

The operation with the Dutch Air Force was said to be the first that has been held since the pandemic.

Lieutenant Colonel Bob Oostrum from the Royal Netherlands Air Force told ITV: “The area here in the north and north west of England is perfect with their hilly terrain.

"Back home in the Netherlands it is pretty flat. Using more of that terrain to our advantage is really key in our success.”

Did you spot the helicopters? E-Mail: skhan@nqnw.co.uk