Typhoons storm skies in Games flyover

Fighter jets were seen across the skies of the West Midlands as part of security preparations for the forthcoming Olympic Games.

Residents and workers in parts of Dudley, Brierley Hill, Kingswinford, Wall Heath and Stourport were stunned to see and hear two Eurofighter Typhoons flying over the area yesterday.

Both were travelling at low altitude with residents describing the noise as "deafening" as the planes flew by.

Nearby airports including Halfpenny Green airport, in Bobbington, near Wolverhampton, were informed of the exercise, which was carried out by the RAF. Officials from the RAF today said it was the first of a series of operations planned in preparation for July's Olympic Games.

They said yesterday's flyover was a "familiarisation" exercise and had been carried out over the course of the afternoon under the full guidance of air traffic controllers. The two jets travelled to the region from RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, to take part in the exercise.

RAF spokesman Wing Commander Martin Tinworth said: "Two Typhoon fighters were taking part in an airspace security exercise over the West Midlands yesterday.

This is in preparation for the Olympic Games to familiarise pilots with areas across the country. People may see more of the planes in the future."

Businessman and helicopter pilot Tony Whittaker said he had heard the loud engine noise from his Unit 67 premises at Delph Road, Brierley Hill.

"It was obvious these were Typhoon planes by the noise. They must have been travelling at low altitude as I was inside and the noise was still loud."

Resident Steve Pain, aged 58, of Valley Fields, Kingswinford, said: "I saw the planes go over the town at around 1pm. There were two planes and they were flying very low in the sky."