THESE atmospheric pictures of RAF jets preparing to launch precision strikes on Syrian chemical facilities were taken by RAF photographer Lee Matthews, formerly of Cirencester.

Lee, aged 30, took the photographs at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, earlier this month.

The strike was part of a response by the United States, Britain and France to the Syrian regime's chemical attack in Douma on April 7.

Lee's photos feature four RAF Tornado GR4s that delivered Storm Shadow cruise missiles to the Syrian targets.

Lee lived in Cirencester and Kemble and worked in Cirencester during his early teens before leaving for the RAF in 2007.

He also has family in Fairford, and his late grandfather worked with the USAF at RAF (USAF) Fairford.

He went to Kingshill School and later spent a year at Cirencester College, studying photography and other subjects before dropping out and later joining the military.