Eagle-eyed residents have been speculating over why paratroopers were leaping from a Chinook helicopter over Watford this week.

It was spotted flying towards Merchant Taylor’s School in Moor Park on Thursday at around 2pm - sparking a flurry of social media posts capturing the moment.

Many saw the funny side, with one contributor claiming it was Deliveroo while another suggested the parachutists were paving the way for Joe Biden's jump.

Watford Observer: The helicopter was spotted this afternoon (Photo: Michael Hart)The helicopter was spotted this afternoon (Photo: Michael Hart) However, The Observer understands that it was a Ministry of Defence training exercise, though due to its nature no more details will be revealed at this time.

RAF Chinooks are described as 'an advanced multi-mission helicopter' and can carry vehicles, artillery pieces or up to 44 troops.

Equipped with a cargo system, it can haul 12,000kg of equipment and is capable of a maximum speed of 187mph.

Watford Observer: The paratroopers were seen in the sky (Photo: Michael Hart)The paratroopers were seen in the sky (Photo: Michael Hart)