Military helicopters have been seen flying across the skies of Merseyside this week.
Residents across the region spotted three military helicopters yesterday (July 7), having seen another two on previous days.
The aircraft from the RAF sparked speculation as social media users sought answers for their presence.
The RAF has said the aircraft were conducting 'essential training for crews during Exercise Kukri Dawn' from July 6 to July 10, regularly taking off from RAF Woodvale in Merseyside.
An RAF spokesperson told Lancs Live: "The course qualifies pilots and crewmen to operate the Puma helicopter on Operations within the UK and when deployed overseas.
"This is essential training providing key skills that will be required when they graduate from the Operational Conversion Unit and are posted to a front-line helicopter squadron.
"The operational phase of the course is the culmination of months of training by the six students and, all being well, will see them return to RAF Benson ready to graduate."
Until Friday, the helicopters will be flying over Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
You can expect to see them between 8.30am and 6pm.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here.
What are the main issues where you live? Put in your postcode and find out
The spokesperson added: "At times, the Puma helicopters will be operating in pairs and training in urban environments, both of which are key skills the crews require when deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation TORAL, as well as fulfilling National Standby commitments in the UK.
"The Puma helicopters will sometimes be fitted with General Purpose Machine Guns in the cabin doors; however, they will not be armed and will not be carrying any ammunition.
"It is for training purposes only for the crew operating in the cabin."
