SAS Blue Thunder helicopter seen over Radcliffe and Bury

They were seen flying over Radcliffe and Bury between around 4pm and 5pm with confused onlookers speculating about why the aircraft were circling the area.

An SAS helicopter was spotted flying above Bury and Radcliffe (Image: Public)

The Bolton News understands that the helicopters are taking part in a routine training exercise.

The helicopter seen today appears to be the same model as the two seen at Salford’s MediaCity yesterday – a Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, nicknamed “Blue Thunder”.

Two helicopters were seen landing in MediaCity (Image: mich2255)

They have gained this name from their notable colour scheme, pairing navy blue with a white underbelly.

On Monday night (March 2), residents at Salford Quays reported “freaking out” when two of the helicopters were seen landing in an open square.

They flew away together before returning a bit later, when residents also spotted men in black on the rooftops.

The men were seen descending from the helicopters onto the roof of a nearby hotel.

Filming on Coronation Street which was taking place outside was also seen to have stopped entirely as a result of the helicopters flying nearby.