Amazing video footage shows an SAS Blue Thunder helicopter training above Bury under the cover of darkness. Footage shared with the MEN show the choppers circling while most of the town slept.
Figures could be seen abseiling down from the aircraft. In an exercise is known as 'fast-roping' and allows troops to land where a helicopter cannot.
According to witnesses, the helicopters were in operation for several hours on Tuesday evening (March 15). Mark Stevenson, who shared the videos with the Manchester Evening News said the operation was centred around Bury Training and Safety Centre, in Hinds Lane.
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The chopper was deploying cables and that figures were seen abseiling down to the roof. According to Mark, the helicopters then circled back around to pick the same people up from the roof.
The purpose behind the operation is currently unknown. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is not believed to have been involved.
The SAS previously carried out a similar training exercise at Manchester Central Fire Station, in Ancoats, in June 2019. Then, nearby residents in Ancoats described seeing two 'military-style' helicopters circling over the fire station.
At least four people then descend from one of the choppers onto the flat roof of the building. One resident said the helicopters came within 'spitting distance' of his balcony.
Another person described seeing 'two blue thunder' helicopters landing near Oldham Road and then taking off again. M.E.N contacted the Ministry of Defence for a comment.
