A BAMBOOZLED couple from South Oxhey were left speechless as they watched a UFO in the skies above their home.

Derek and Sarah Thomas, of Gleneagles Close, say they watched in wonder as a series of fire balls and bright lights floated in the night sky at around 9.30pm on Friday, September 19, – just days after concerned residents in nearby Mill End contacted the Watford Observer to report a similar close encounter.

Mr Thomas, who works as a sound engineer, said: “We couldn’t believe what we were seeing. There were about eight bright lights all moving around together. Gradually they faded out until the final one disappeared.

“I really can’t explain it. We were both pretty shocked. I’ve seen a few weird things in the sky over the last few years but have always thought they were aircraft of helicopters.

“We read about the sighting in Mill End last week and just want it explaining.”

Mr Thomas’s description matches closely with dozens of other sightings nationwide (one over Bushey in July last year) later proven to be Chinese lanterns.

Robert Rosamond, of the British UFO Research Organisation, explained last week that: “Many people mistake these for UFOs because they are often tied together. The effect of a formation of lights that burn out at different times can look very strange.”

Mr Thomas, however, is not convinced.

He added: “I really don’t think they were lanterns. I’ve seen them and they didn’t look like this. I’d love to know what they were. A lot of people don’t believe in UFOs but I suppose they’re similar to ghosts – you don’t believe in them either until you see one.”