An offshore helicopter has landed safely after being forced to turn back on its way to a North Sea platform.

The CHC Super Puma took off from Aberdeen Airport at around 1.25pm on Thursday.

Six minutes later, the helicopter turned back near Peterhead and fire crews were sent to the airport.

The Super Puma landed without incident at around 1.45pm and it is unclear what sparked the alert.

A CHC spokesman said: "In accordance with operating procedures, the crew requested priority landing from air traffic control.

"Emergency service vehicles are deployed only as a precaution.

“All passengers were debriefed and the aircraft will now be fully inspected by CHC engineers.”