Bracknell

Air safety experts have ordered an urgent investigation to find out why an airliner almost clipped trees and buildings as it flew over Bracknell.

Householders watched in horror as the aircraft - thought to be a Boeing 777 - swooped low over the town. Many feared Bracknell was just seconds from being turned into a fireball.

Professional dog walker Leanne Dawson of Priestwood said she feared the passenger jet was about to plunge into Bracknell after it passed over her.

She was in Lily Hill Park, walking dogs Sam and Meg when the Egypt Airlines jet screamed overhead at lunchtime on Wednesday last week.

Leanne had just been talking to ranger Matt Lunn when they heard a loud noise and saw the jet come over.

She said: "We were just dumb-founded. It was quite scary and we were just waiting for a collision. It then suddenly banked to the left. Matthew and I regularly talk but were silenced when this happened."

Ironically, Matt Lunn said he and Leanne were talking about terrorism moments before the jet flew over.

He said: "The plane approached very low and seemed to be going very fast.

"The wheels weren't out and it was wobbling in the sky, but wasn't making that whirring sound as if it was coming in to land.

"It was so close that you could clearly see the name of the airline on the side."

Richard Price, of Nuthurst, Crown Wood, Bracknell was repairing his car when he saw the jet.

He said: "I just didn't know what was going on. We just watched it cruise away from us."

A spokeswoman for National Air Traffic Services (NATS), which is responsible for air movements over the UK, said: "NATS is aware there was an aircraft flying lowish over Bracknell on Wednesday 14.

"Obviously, there was no danger at any stage to the aircraft or residents. The incident is now the subject of a full investigation."

She said she could not give more details of the incident and it may several months before the investigation is completed.

The findings will be be passed on to the Civil Aviation Authority.

ic Berkshire Bracknell