Three separate convoys of military helicopters were spotted thundering over Kent in rare sightings.

Four Chinooks, five Apaches and two Merlins flew across areas such as Canterbury, Faversham and Sittingbourne.

The three sightings stopped people in their tracks shortly after 5pm yesterday.

And many were left stumped about why the aircraft were flying across the county.

One person on a Facebook residents’ group said: “Were they playing the Ride of the Valkyries? If so, take cover!”

Another wrote: “Yeah World War Three is coming - prepare yourself.”

While someone else described it as “an amazing sight”.

But others were quick to identify the impressive aircraft.

One person said: “I heard helicopters - quite loud - and I thought it was an air ambulance or something.

“I didn’t realise it was chinooks. Wow.

“I love those aircrafts and they used to follow the Thames past my office.

“It is always lovely to see them and we always wave.”

Another wrote: “Four Chinooks, five Apaches and two Merlins.”

A spokesman for the RAF confirmed the aircraft were from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, which has the callsign SABRE.

“They had been on exercise in the UK and were departing home,” he said.