Locals were woken by the 4am smash after strange lights were spotted streaking towards the 290ft-tall generator. Power chiefs have launched an investigation into the incident, at Conisholme, which left one blade missing and another wrecked.

Witness Dorothy Willows, who lives half-a-mile from the scene, was among dozens who spotted mysterious flashing orangey-yellow spheres over Lincolnshire. Mrs Willows, of Louth, said: "The lights were moving across the sky towards the wind farm. Then I saw a low flying object. It was skimming across the sky towards the turbines." Hours later there was an almighty smash. Mrs Willows added: "My husband Stephen was woken at 4am by the bang."

John Harrison, another witness, described how he looked out of his landing window and saw a "massive ball of light with tentacles going right down to the ground" over the wind farm. Council health and safety officials said even the strongest gale was unlikely to be responsible. The damage was described by the Health and Safety Executive as "unique". Wind farm company Ecotricity admitted: "We don't know what caused the problem. We are investigating." UFO-logist Russ Kellett, of Flying Saucer Review, said: "Balls of light were seen in the sky and the MoD has no explanation. We are very, very excited about this."

When train spotting no longer thrills you can always become a UFO-logist...

I thought you were steering...

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