Floating lanterns start UFO probe

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched an X-Files-style probe after reports that dozens of our people had spotted UFOs floating over Sunderland and Seaham 10 days ago.



But the truth is out there now. Seaham couple Paul McKinney and Emma Henfrey have revealed what was really in the sky that night.

Paul, 28, and Emma, 30, celebrated moving into their new home in Wycliffe Road, Westlea, by holding a party for friends and set floating lanterns, bought by neighbour Quentin Carr, into the air.

But the orbs, which glowed bright orange then silvery white, caused a real stir and some stargazers thought they were seeing extraterrestrial spaceships overhead.

Paul was going to remain tight-lipped about the prank, but when he heard the MoD was investigating, the systems analyst contacted the local newspaper.

He said: "It was an awesome experience to watch these lanterns float up and away and we never though for a second that people would think that they were aliens.

You can find out all about the UFO Balloons here.