Calls to police after ‘fireball’ seen in sky over Scotland

Suspected meteor shower witnessed across country, people report houses shaking

A white flash, believed to be a meteor, illuminates the night sky in Northern Scotland. Video: Reuters

A suspected meteor shower triggered calls to police from people claiming their homes shook.

The spectacle on Monday evening was witnessed across Scotland, and prompted many to report the sight of a "fireball" in the sky and a violent bang.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said they began receiving calls at around 6.55pm on Monday evening.

She said: “One told us the sky had been lit up with an object like a fireball. Another caller said there was a very loud bang and others said the house shook.

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“We know police in Inverness and in the south also received calls — it was seen by people across Scotland.

“We have checked and been told it was likely to be a meteor shower.”

The bright white streak across the night sky sparked speculation on social media whether it was an astronomical event, military activity or, perhaps more far-fetched, linked to British astronaut Tim Peake.

Inverness SNP member Jackie Hendry tweeted: “Did anyone else see that big white flash in the sky. . . I reckon it was Tim Peake.”

User @Madcow_paula tweeted: “LOL. . . some reckon @astro_timpeake dropped something causing a big white flash in the sky over Scotland this evening!”

@SteveCDT1986 tweeted:“Big white flash and some sort of meteor in the night sky. Looked really close aswell. #endoftheworld #armageddon.”

A Scottish ministry of defence spokeswoman said they would not discuss if there was any link to any operations in the area.

PA