An array of imposing US military helicopters has been spotted over central London, believed to be preparing for Donald Trump’s impending state visit.
At least five aircraft were spotted over the River Thames, Regent’s Park and King’s Cross St Pancras station on Friday afternoon, prompting confusion among Londoners.
“Maybe I’ve been watching #hbochernobyl too much, but a fleet of military chinook helicopters circling around London at the mo is not very reassuring,” said one social media user.
But the detachment also reportedly flew further south, to Portsmouth, where Mr Trump will visit for D-Day commemorations. “I think I have just seen Marine 1, a Sea King and two police helicopters fly over my house in Portsmouth. You don’t see that every day,” a resident tweeted.
Among the craft appeared to be two Sea Kings – one of the types used as the presidential Marine One transport – painted with white upper fuselages, resembling the iconic green-and-white livery associated with the US commander in chief’s helicopter.
Alongside were at least one Black Hawk-type aircraft and two massive twin-rotor Chinooks.
Some helicopters in the Marine One fleet are known as White Hawks, versions of Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk that have been modified for presidential service.
The Independent understands all the military aircraft belonged to the US, while reports on social media suggested one further helicopter was from the UK’s National Police Air Service.
The Department of Defence has been contacted for comment.
Twitter users speculated the display was related to Mr Trump’s state visit next week.
One said: “Loads of military helicopters including chinooks flying around over south London. They must be practising for you know who’s arrival next week!”
Another complained: “Bloody pre-Trump preparations mean London is turned into a ruddy helicopter highway – noise & pollution...”
Later, separate footage showed a larger group of Chinooks and three other helicopters conducting a new sortie.
