A giant military aircraft has been spotted circling low over residential areas of Merseyside.
The massive plane was spotted "going in circles" over residential areas in Hoylake, Heswall, Speke, and Old Swan around 9.30am.
Many of those who saw it took to social media to speculate what it was doing making several passes over the area.
One woman posted: "Why's that massive plane gone over twice in 10 minutes?"
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Another man posted: "It's an RAF plane doing some practising in the area. My son's obsessed with it."
A Facebook user said: "Hercules just flew over really low again. Dunno if it’s training or what but fascinating to see!"
The aircraft is believed to be the Atlas C.1 (A400M) Airbus.
The military plane took off from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, flew over Gloucester and Worcester towards North Wales then made several circles over Merseyside before continuing on towards Newcastle.
According to the RAF website, the aircraft entered operational service with the Royal Airforce in 2014, to complement the Hercules and C-17 fleets.
The RAF said: "Atlas has a capability to carry a 37-tonne payload over 2000nm to established and remote civilian and military airfields.
"Capable of operating at altitudes up to 40,000ft, Atlas also offers an impressive low-level capability.
"It will accommodate as many as 116 fully equipped troops; vehicles, helicopters including a Chinook."
The imposing aircraft also boasts an impressive 45.10metre length, 14 metres in height and with a wingspan of over 42 metres.
