Image copyright MOD / Crown Copyright Image caption Typhoons were scrambled following the alert

RAF jets have been scrambled after reports of unidentified aircraft flying towards UK airspace.

The aircraft, thought to have been Russian bombers, were spotted off Shetland.

A spokesman for RAF Lossiemouth in Moray said two quick reaction alert Typhoon fighter aircraft had been launched in response to the incident.

The bombers were not intercepted as they remained outside of the area considered UK airspace.

An RAF spokesman said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched today from RAF Lossiemouth after unidentified aircraft were tracked flying towards UK airspace.

"However, the aircraft remained outside of our area of interest and no intercept took place."