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UFOs in the UK

The latest set of files relating to UFO sightings in the UK have been released to the National Archives by the MOD. These files cover UFO sightings between 1994 and 2000. Highlights include:

Allegations: crashed UFOs studied at military bases in the UK

In 1997 local farmers claimed they saw a mysterious disc-shaped object fall within the perimeter of RAF Menwith Hill, the joint US/UK electronic monitoring base in North Yorkshire. The base was surrounded by military personnel. The farmers claimed that they were then ordered to move away from the perimeter fence. The file contains a joint statement from the base and the MoD confirming that "no UFO/flying saucer has landed in the vicinity of Menwith Hill and the base had no connection with UFO research”.

UFO sightings near home of the Home Secretary 1997

Several members of the public reported a large triangular ‘humming’ object in the sky close to the home of the (former) Home Secretary, Michael Howard in Folkestone in Kent. It was claimed that the UFO hovered for several minutes above a field before shooting off in a flash of light. An investigation by the RAF found that there was no evidence of unauthorised air activity or any security alert in the area at the time.

UFO sighting over Balmoral

The News of the World reported that a UFO was spotted over the Royal Estate at Balmoral Royal in 1996 and was pursued by RAF jets. This incident was explained by the MoD as a night-time exercise by Harrier jump jets.

"Silky-white substance" left by Birmingham UFO

A man observed a triangular UFO hovering over his back garden in Kingstanding, in Birmingham. He claimed that as it moved the object left behind a "silky white substance" on the tree tops. The observer collected some specimens and stored them in a jar at his home. The file does not reveal what happened to the jar.

Further information

• UFO information at the National Archives Opens new window

• Complain about low flying military aircraft Opens new window

• Freedom of information (government, citizens and rights section)