An RAF helicopter has been spotted over Oswaldtwistle and other parts of East Lancashire this week – and this is why.

A Boeing Chinook helicopter was seen flying over the town on Thursday (July 6).

It has attracted a lot of attention on social media with many speculating about why the helicopters were seen over the town.

One person said: “Heard it go over Accrington around half an hour ago.

“I thought it was just normal helicopter so didn’t look but it did sound a bit different thinking back. Wow.”

“I saw it over Clayton-Le-Moors,” said another.

A third commenter said: “It flew over me at Oswaldtwistle Mills… it had the distinctive noise of a Chinook.”

A spokesperson for the RAF said the helicopter was on a routine training flight from RAF Odiham.

According to the RAF website, the Chinook is an “extremely capable” and “highly versatile” support helicopter that can be operated from land bases or ships.

It may be armed and is fitted with self-defence equipment.

The aircraft is primarily used for trooping, resupply and battlefield casualty evacuation.

Did you spot a Chinook helicopter in Lancashire this week? Send your photos and videos to: sarah.mcgee@newsquest.co.uk.