Mystery surrounds why a helicopter was hovering over Thetford last night.

People living in the Abbey Estate area of the town took to social media to ask why the aircraft was overhead. Some reported searchlights being shone into their gardens from above.

One resident tweeted she was watching NPAS (National Police Aviation Service) conduct a search, adding: 'Some really skilful flying in a built up area #thegoodguys.'

But when we contacted Norfolk police, they said they had no record of anything happening.

NPAS's Twitter feed said it had assisted police in Romford, Erith and Cambridge.

There were reports on Facebook that the aircraft appeared to be searching gardens behind some shops on the estate in Thetford.

Others said they they saw and heard it flying over the town centre, while some believed that it had landed before taking off again.