This article was published in the daily newspaper Japan, on February 7, 2003. Yorkshire Evening Post, UK, on January 31, 2003, and on the "this is Leeds" web site.
BY HOWARD WILLIAMSON
Police are quizzing UFO hunters over several incidents of lights in the sky off the east coast.
Full-time researcher Russell Kellett has been interviewed by officers after a strange incident near Filey Brigg.
And he claims fellow UFO enthusiasts have also been quizzed by officers.
"It is all very strange," said Mr Kellett at his Filey home. "Two officers interviewed me after I reported an experience I had at Filey Brigg last summer.
"I was looking out to sea when I suddenly saw five saucer-shaped objects flying in a row. I turned away to get my camera and the objects were gone, but then I heard a bang and saw a flash and an RAF plane came flying over the area.
"I phoned RAF Leeming about it and they sent the police officers round to interview me. They told me I had seen and heard a heat-seeking flare.
"But they are usually fired to ward off incoming missiles. And this was over a built-up area."
Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, which is produced at Stourton, Leeds, said: "We have information that many police forces are now told to take all UFO sightings seriously.
"Since the demise of the Royal Observer Corps, the UFO people who watch the skies are the eyes and ears of the nation and can alert the authorities to anything suspicious. This is particularly important at a time of heightened security."
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "If someone reports an incident which could impinge on public safety then we take it seriously. If something looks worrying, it is our job to do something about it."
Sky watches have been planned at Filey, Whitby and Scarborough. Anyone interested can phone 07901 597743.
howard.williamson@ypn.co.uk
31 January 2003
