This is why military helicopters were flying over Blackpool and the Fylde coast today

Residents took to social media to share their images and videos of the aircraft, with some comparing the sight to something from the beginning of a zombie movie.

But the Royal Air Force has now confirmed the Puma helicopters were actually circling Blackpool to allow pilots and crewmen to complete essential training during exercise 'Kuri Dawn'.

'Kuri Dawn' is the final part of a training course that allows pilots and crewmen to operate the Puma helicopter on military operations within the UK and when deployed overseas.

A spokesman for the Royal Air Force said: "This is essential training providing key skills that will be required when they graduate from the Operational Conversion Unit and are posted to a front-line helicopter squadron.

"The operational phase of the course is the culmination of months of training by the six students and, all being well, will see them return to RAF Benson ready to graduate.

"At times, the helicopters will be operating in pairs and training in urban environments, both of which are key skills the crews require when deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Toral, as well as fulfilling National standby commitments in the UK."

Three Puma helicopters from RAF Benson will be operating at RAF Woodvale, near Formby in Merseyside, from July 6-10.

They will be flying between the hours of 8.30am and 6pm, but no night flying is expected.

The helicopters will sometimes be fitted with general-purpose machine guns in the cabin; however, they will not be armed and will not be carrying any ammunition.

They will be for training purposes only for the crew operating in the cabin.

"RAF Woodvale provides an excellent forward operating base for the Puma Force," the spokesman added.

"It also provides additional support to the training being undertaken by introducing the crews to operating in unfamiliar surroundings and a different environment."