Why two massive RAF helicopters were spotted flying over Liverpool

Two massive RAF helicopters were spotted flying over Liverpool on Wednesday afternoon.

The sightings sparked concern on social media with a number of rumours linking the helicopters to possible incidents around the city .

Residents also took to Facebook and Twitter to ask whether anyone else had seen the huge choppers as they manoeuvred around different areas of Liverpool .

One woman said: "Can hear helicopters since early morning today in L4. Does anyone know why?"

Another added: "It’s a bit worrying though as they are flying all morning very low. Exactly like they would like to land in the garden."

Thankfully, the real reason for the RAF presence was much less concerning.

A spokesperson for RAF Benson confirmed on Twitter that the two Puma helicopters had been in the area for training that would prepare them for heading to Afghanistan.

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The tweet said: "Puma helicopters from RAF Benson will operating in the Liverpool and Manchester areas tonight and tomorrow.

"They will be using authorised helicopter landing sites in the area to hone their skills operating in urban environments before deploying to Afghanistan."

Pictures of the helicopters were taken as they carried out landing exercises at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

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Photographer Chris Middleton tweeted on Wednesday afternoon: "Two RAF Puma helicopters, both landed at Alder Hey Hospital simultaneously for around a minute, then left heading east."