HELICOPTER police returning from a mission over Somerset spotted this comet streaking across the night sky.

The National Police Air Service chopper crew were returning to base following a mission in support of Avon and Somerset Police last night (Sunday).

They tweeted: "We managed to catch a view of the comet Neowise tonight on our way back from assisting @ASPolice.

"This is the view we get of it through our night vision goggles."

Neowise will come to within 64 million miles of Earth - that's around 40 times further away than the Moon.

The comet will be visible with its distinct tail throughout the rest of this month, with the best views from the northern hemisphere.