The mystery plane over Audlem

The Chatbox has been busy with residents speculating on the mystery two-engined plane that has been busy circulating over Audlem last weekend.

Theories have included it being a Google craft as some have seen equipment beneath the aircraft and wondered whether Google was updating its maps and Google Earth coverage locally.

Others seem convinced it's a Gladman plane looking for more building plots. The aircraft's code G – GMP8, as seen in the photo kindly sent in by Dave Pudney and if you click on it to magnify it, has even attracted the suggestion it stands for Gladman – Got More Plots 8.

Any further information would be very welcome.

Update at 8.30am: Our thanks to Norman Huntbach for this: "To search info on a UK aircraft google G-INFO.This Britten Norman Islander belongs to Greater Manchester Police Authority. I was confused when I saw it over the village on Monday as although I was aware that Cheshire police used to have one as a spotter plane I knew that they had sold it and bought a helicopter instead. It seems that they are now making use of Manchester's resources too.

Usually used to search for miscreants, stolen vehicles and missing persons as they are equipped with thermal imaging etc. It could also be looking for indoor cannabis farms.

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.