UFO Reports from the UK 

UFOs over London

[ Updated: 18/05/2008 ]

23 April 2008 - Stoke Newington

A report by "ID":

"[Last night I saw] a single dot of light (size of a typical small star in the night sky).  Moving at high speed in absolutely fixed direction, North, north east. Altitude? certainly high, but I can't estimate it.

There was not a sound! Speed would suggest a very, very fast jet, but without sound - surely there would be some suggestion. There were at least 4 airliners on various approaches to Heathrow visible on their typical paths, they must have seen it too.  This object had possible military or commercial clearance to pass London at more than 500mph!  It was like following a high speed missile and to give an idea of the speed: turn your head fully to the right and then turn it fully to the left within 1.5 seconds! The airliners were moving like snails in comparison.

The light was not as bright as an airliner or bright star.  Direction wise, it may have been heading in the direction of Norwich (Lakenheath or Mildenhall perhaps?)  The lack of sound at high speed however, is either great stealth or soundless technology beyond our comprehension.

I haven't ever seen anything like it before and I have seen shooting stars that are much brighter and faster and they burn out.  This was too deliberate, this was something on a mission. "

Despite the suggestions of the witness, this seems likely to be a meteor grazing the atmosphere.

11 December 2007 - Brixton

From the witness:

"Having been woken by my alarm at 7.20am, and just before taking the stairs down, for no reason I felt like looking to the sky through the small double glass window. The sky was fairly clear and blue and felt very cold. All I could see in the sky was normal; airplanes and birds, a nice day.

Suddenly, a huge ball of light orange-yellow (like fire-plasma) materialised in the sky at low altitude. I also saw a bright and white but very small ball of light coming out of the building very fast and integrating into the big orange-yellow ball. My reaction was to quickly set my mobile phone (V3Motorola) to take pics, but like in a second the UFO vanished, I never saw it flying away, I think it just vanished in front of my eyes.

Then I checked the pics and even though they don't show exactly the same I saw (I mean colours and size), at least they are proof/record of what I saw in such a fraction of time."

Certainly an unusual sighting. While the witness sent us a few images from the cameraphone, the size and resolution makes analysis of the images very difficult; and as such it is impossible to verify the images against the observed UFO and apparent beam.

1 February 2007 - London

The witness reported 50+ yellow/orange lights floating silently over north London; moving slowly but apparently climbing slowly, before each light vanished.  The witness clearly knew these were not aircraft or orbiting space vehicles.

The description seemed to be yet another sighting of a mass launch/flight of fire balloons/lanterns.  The witness - who has a degree in aerospace engineering - to his credit conducted his own research with balloon importers, and watched various clips of video footage of these.

On 3 February the witness contacted us again to confirm that he had simply misinterpreted a flight of these lanterns.  Subsequently Camden Council confirmed that they had licensed a private party to launch fire lanterns from a public area - hence the need for a license.

While this witness confirmed that the sighting had indeed been of fire lanterns, debate continued to amongst groups and researchers, many of whom were determined to ignore the reports of witnesses and continue to promote this as a mystery.

3 April 2005 - Tottenham, North London

From 'KV':

"On Sunday the 3rd of April 2005 I was out in the garden in Tottenham, the time was approx 10pm. I was searching for stars in the sky with my new telescope. My partner was with me and also her niece. If you remember it was a very clear night on this night.

We all observed two lights moving across the sky at the same speed, although one appeared to move a little faster at one point. The lights appeared as though they were at a high altitude. No sound was heard. They travelled over from Tottenham football ground and then over the Northumberland Park School. I think it's east to west. My partner has better vision than me and she says they were rectangular in shape and orange in colour. They just looked like strange lights to me!!

I have ruled out passenger planes as the lights were crossing the familiar flight path. I have ruled out gliders as they were going way too fast. I have also ruled out laser lights because they appeared to be moving in a very controlled fashion. They spanned the sky in around five seconds. Peculiar! Any similar sightings around London?"

17 April 2005 - High Barnet, North London

A carefully observed report by 'MR', an experienced watcher of the sky:

"I initially 'reported' this on a UFO newsgroup out of curiosity, hoping to hear some confirmation from others who may have seen it - no joy so far. Here's what I wrote anyway, plus a quick follow up.

[At] about 1830 I was at High Barnet in N London, visiting a relative at the hospital there with my father. It was still light but overcast, and as we approached the hospital I noticed a mysterious object in the sky to the east. It didn't appear to be moving, and 'stayed put' for at least ten minutes, during which time we parked up and had a look.
This was a very 'boring' UFO, but UFO it was, as I can think of no possible explanation for it, nor have ever seen any comparable flying machine (if that is what it was).

It was low on the horizon, roughly to the east and appeared to be a long way away, drifting very slowly south, though it was hard to tell. It appeared to be two dark bluish/grey oblong shapes, with blurred, 'rounded' edges, a long way off - though that was merely the impression I got (as I moved, it moved with the horizon, if that makes any sense?). Whatever it was, there was no visible connection with the ground, (not some weird, giant lamp-post in other words), and I'd estimate it was perhaps a half to a third of a 'moonwidth' in apparent length - though that is rather hard to say without any moon to compare it with!

Whatever it was, my father saw it too. "Yes, it looks odd... must be a cloud" [he said] though he looked puzzled), and to reassure myself I was not hallucinating or going mad, I also asked a stranger if he could see it... gave me a funny look, then also looked rather amazed when he saw it too.
Unfortunately (and how bloody typical!), no binoculars, no camera, and a very urgent visit to be made, so I couldn't linger. The two rectangles were about 4:1 or 5:1 by aspect, with the 'long' side parallel to the horizon, spaced about half a width apart - a bit like a rather fat, blurred = sign in the sky, with the top bar slightly offset to the left. As I watched, the two 'bars' gradually moved until they were directly above each other, all the time drifting very slowly southward.

'Some sort of balloon' I thought at first, though if it was, it was a very big double one.. Never seen anything like it before, and can think of no rational explanation. The wind was gusting all over the place, and when I came out to get another look some 20 - 30 mins later, it had started raining and was gone.

Anyone got any ideas?

It didn't move with the clouds, and was far darker than anything else in the sky - comparable with a couple of civilian jets that were around. This was a very weird thing, but I know what I saw and am intensely curious..

I added this next day in response to a query about lighting conditions:

It was overcast, late afternoon/early evening - fairly bright, a couple of hours before sunset. The object was dark against the sky, as I said bluish grey. [I] asked my father about it again today, he (an utter skeptic) 'admitted' it was extremely peculiar, and to my surprise, cursed that we hadn't had any camera or binoculars... much to my surprise.
Whatever it was, I'd guess it should have been visible to thousands of people. Looking at the moon this evening, I'd perhaps narrow that down to half a 'moonwidth' (quarter of a degree or so?). Although rather reckless to judge such a thing without any optical aids, I would guess it was several miles away at least, which would make it rather large...

I am a keen amateur astronomer, and an experienced observer, which makes it all the more peculiar - and intriguing. Whatever it was, it appeared to be in a rather busy part of the sky, what with Stanstead and the City Airports, and who knows what else. The elevation from the horizon I'd estimate (by 'rule of thumb' to be between 5 and 10 degrees. Rather vague, but then it was just that - rather vague. Notable even so.

Surely we three were not the only ones who saw it?

Of course, I am now kicking myself for not approaching a policeman (who was there) and others, who could have corroborated this account, but... typical isn't it ("why NOW of all times!?" I kept thinking!)
I had a look through some of the reports on your (rather excellent) website, and found a couple that sounded similar, 27th Oct 2002, Clapham, London (partly), and saw (somewhere on the web) some objects apparently filmed by a MIG23 gun-camera that looked rather similar, in the same 'formation', but not as long.

Thinking about it (which is not a good thing, I know, but...!), the shape and regularity of these strangely blurred objects, which appeared to have rounded ends, could well indicate they were cylindrical or rod-like in shape, though I can't say that they were. There was no detail visible at all, no reflective metallic glints or flashes or anything else... just a dark bluish gray "=" sign just above the horizon and far away, with the top bar initially slightly offset to the left, but gradually moving (over the course of half a minute or so) until it was directly above the lower 'bar' - both identical in size and length as far as I could see."

MR made some observations of the general area on another visit to the hospital.

"I have been back with compass and camera, and took a shot of the 'scene'. Barnet is quite high up, so there is a 'big sky' and (buildings permitting) a good view to the S and E particularly. The horizon where it appeared was however fairly near - the top of a ridge a couple of miles away, and several distinctive features were visible on it which I made a mental note of for future reference, including an unusual 'square topped' tree, which was (conveniently) almost exactly the same size as the object.

To my surprise, the object was actually at about 160 degree magnetic, more S than E. All I can say is that from 'perspective' it was at least as far away as the horizon, and I got the impression it was even further away at the time. That would probably put it right over Central London, that bearing goes right through Westminster!
That makes me wonder more than ever what/how/who/where etc... and why it wasn't widely reported? There was certainly one passenger jet almost above me, and others (useful for comparison) in the distance, and the fuselages of a couple appeared to be roughly the same colour and 'darkness' - or contrast - against the pale grey sky. That make me think at the time, as I tried to rationalize - could it be two distant aircraft in close formation. Soon dismissed however, no tails and no apparent motion, besides, the 'fuselages' were longer and narrower than any aircraft I have ever seen before.

With regard to the lack of other sightings or reports, I have often wondered if certain UFO's are only optically visible from certain narrow angles and positions at certain times, perhaps the result of polarization of light or some unknown atmospheric aberration... or some unknown 'stealth' capability (it seems these objects usually manage to 'avoid' appearing on radar screens somehow - I would think that the place where it appeared to be is one of the most thoroughly interrogated areas of airspace in the world?).
I have always been intrigued by the UFO phenomena, and keep an open mind and a hopeful eye on the sky - somewhat more watchful than most people are I suspect. Despite my frustration because of the circumstances, I was rather delighted to definitely see something 'odd' with my own eyes at last - after a good 40 years of looking.

BTW, I didn't expect any 'explanation'... don't worry about that. I never doubted that people have seen, photographed and 'experienced' UFO's and other paranormal phenomena. Now I know how fascinating and frustrating it is to be a witness myself!

What to 'do about it' is another matter? I saw no point in reporting it to the Police, RAF, MI5 or the local paper really, without at least a photo. Fortunately, your organisation and several newsgroups are there via the internet, for which I am very grateful. Maybe one day all will be revealed.... though I won't hold my breath!"

8 August 2004 - St James Park, London

Another 'London Orb' sighting, this time by SPI founder Malcolm Robinson:

"Spent a lazy Sunday afternoon yesterday sitting on the grass in St James Park near Buckingham Palace. Marlene and I were right next to the bandstand listening to a brass band, fantastic clear sunny day etc, you get the picture. Anyway, we were enjoying the London summer and as I glanced up into the sky, lo and behold did I not spot one of those London Orbs that Chris Martin has filmed (see the video UFOs Over London) Definitely not an aircraft or helicopter, the only other option was a kids helium balloon. But this object (!) was moving slow and in a controlled fashion. Was it one of those London UFO/Orbs ! Well I'll tell you what, it sure as hell looked like one.
 

I think out of the hundreds enjoying the sunshine in St James Park on Sunday, only me and Marlene was looking at it.  Anyway, thought I would share that with you, my first possible London UFO !!"

7 August 2004 - Greenwich, London

Another well-observed sighting:

"On 7th August 2004 at 15:40, we were in a private unobstructed park during mid afternoon, off Woolwich Road in Greenwich, South-East London.

I was talking with my companion and describing how the various circling aircraft were heading to various airports due to their direction, such as the nearby City of London Airport and Heathrow. While observing one such aircraft I noticed high in the sky above it a star-like object at one o’clock high. Firstly I dismissed this as the planet Venus which can be seen in the sky during the day on near perfect conditions such as was the day. Weather conditions were as follows: light breeze, 29 degrees Celsius, cloudless sky, no haze / pollution, unlimited visibility.

After concentrating the attention of my companion towards the 'star' I noticed a second one above it. In all respects they appeared star-like except in a pure blue sky. Every so often the intensity of the light intensified in flashes, which gave the appearance of sunlight being reflected. The objects were completely stationary and in position for a least 6 - 8 minutes. Due to the altitude and daytime appearance I speculated they were Satellites and orbiting spacecraft. Their altitude was way beyond a normal height for civil aircraft, these were clearly visible and some at their highest operating altitudes. Vapour trails were also clearly visible from these aircraft. However these 'stars' were not emitting vapour trails of any kind. I speculated at maybe the lights were of that of military aircraft, and just to prove this theory wrong a single engine jet passed, leaving one vapour trail and wings clearly visible, while operating at a high altitude.

Then my companion drew my attention to another civil aircraft at 12 o’clock low and directly above the air liner she noticed two more of these ‘stars’ high above it, however these two were moving in an Easterly direction in formation and did not appear to be associated with the first two. One was giving off brilliant flashes of reflected light, giving the impression of a rotating object; the other was less brilliant in appearance. These two appeared to then remain stationary at 10 o’clock low above the horizon, before I lost visual contact. Directly above the travelling pair I noticed at 10 o’clock high a formation of three again moving in an Easterly direction and again all three appearing to be of various light strengths. Visual contact was lost and no more sightings were had.

In total I believe we saw at least eight of these ‘stars’, however I would concede that it may have just been five travelling at various points. I have twenty-twenty vision and visibility was completely un-obscured during the whole 20 or so minutes of the observation. The visibility was such that wind borne seeds, insects and distant birds were easily discernable, I would also dismiss weather balloons. I cannot explain the actions of the ‘stars’ as to how they could remain so stationary, and then move in formation. I’m open to suggestion as to what these phenomena were."

After further dialogue with the witness, we have been able to rule out Venus, but it does leave us trying to explain several of these increasingly common 'London Orbs', apparently flying in formations. While some satellites such as the NOSS series do fly in 3-ship and sometimes 4-ship formations, they are too dim to be seen in bright sunlight, even though the atmosphere was incredibly clear during Friday and Saturday.

March 2003 – North London

27th October 2002 – Clapham, South London

From the witness:

"At about 11.20pm, my boyfriend and I were walking home and noticed how clear the sky was after the storm.

We started to look at the stars when we noticed two moving objects travelling parallel to each other. At first we thought they were Satellites, but after watching them for a few seconds we realised that first of all they were moving much too quickly and were too low for Satellites, they were also moving too quickly to be commercial aircraft, there was no noise associated with them and they were single amber lights. Though they were moving in a parallel line to start with, they suddenly diverged in opposite arches as if they were going opposite ways around something, but then joined up again and continued in parallel to disappear as if the lights had been turned off. All of this must have only taken about 20 seconds.

We are just interested to know if anyone else saw anything on that night, as we're sure we can't be the only people in London to have seen these objects."

APRA didn't receive any other reports from this area for that night, and as yet we have had no confirmation of corroborative sightings by other groups. Unfortunately the witness hasn't responded to our plea for further information on which direction etc these objects were moving - if only to verify against aircraft etc.  The sudden deviation in flight to 'avoid' something is unusual, but the description and appearance of the objects is very reminiscent of flaps in the mid-1990s, in which similar objects were reported over large areas of the western UK.

28 December, 2000 - Hammersmith, London

This particular morning of the festive period dawned over most of the UK with varying degrees of snowfall and freezing conditions (this was the day of our annual 'away team' to Avebury).  APRA Co-ordinator James Hill, who drives a 4WD Discovery, was volunteered to drive his some of his relations back to London!  The journey was to have an interesting bonus!

While travelling along the M4, and over the Hammersmith flyover, a diamond-shaped object was seen in the sky ahead, over the northeast of London.  It was as big as James' index-finger held at arm's length.  The sky was very clear and blue, and the object was light on the 'upper surface' on dark 'underneath'.  James thought it may have been a aircraft, but wasn't able to see any obvious signs of a fuselage or wings as would have been expected with aircraft at that sort of apparent distance of 15 to 20 miles.  James also ruled out the possibility of a tethered balloon, but it would have been too close to the congested flight paths over London.

After James has travelled about 2 miles, the object still appeared to be the same size, and to be in the same position as earlier, and it was lost to view one the Hammersmith flyover came down to ground level, with the various tall buildings that are around.

October 1995 - Hayes, London

During the early hours of the morning, the witness (herself a long-time experiencer), was tending to her you son, who was awake, and commenting that someone was outside.  In an effort to almost humour her child, the witness drew the curtains, only to see a very large black triangle hanging in the sky. 

The triangle itself was totally black, but was delineated by green 'striplights' on its leading edges, and an orange striplight on its rear edge.  The most unusual aspect of this FT though was the bright white ball on the trailing edge.  The ball itself was spinning, but was also moving back and forth across the trailing edge of the FT.  This was observed for at least 10 minutes.

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