An EasyJet flight that had just taken off from Liverpool Airport was forced to turn around after it was hit by a bird.
The plane left the Merseyside airport for Jersey shortly after 1pm this afternoon.
But minutes later it was forced to make a mid-air turnaround after it was struck by a bird.
Fire crews were put on standby in case of an emergency landing and witnesses reported seeing ambulance crews and the coastguard at the scene too.
EasyJet said the captain performed a routine landing, which was in "accordance with standard operating procedures", according to the Liverpool Echo.
One man said the plane circled over the beach of New Brighton before heading back to the airport.
An EasyJet spokesperson said: "EasyJet flight EZY7023 from Liverpool to Jersey returned from airborne following a bird strike.
"The captain performed a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures. We have arranged a replacement aircraft to operate the flight to Jersey.
“Whilst this is outside of EasyJet’s control, we apologise for any inconvenience experienced and thank passengers for their patience and understanding.
“The safety of passengers and crew is EasyJet's highest priority.”
Merseyside Fire and Rescue said they received a call at 13.20pm and arrived on scene three minutes later at 13.23.
A spokesperson said crews were put on standby for a "potential emergency landing."
