A fighter jet was pictured spitting flames after taking off from one of the region's RAF bases.

Striking pictures taken by aviation photographer, Matt Smart, show sparks flying from the rear of the F-15 after it took to the skies from RAF Lakenheath.

Cambs Times: An F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking offAn F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking off (Image: Matt Smart)

The aircraft, which belongs to the 48th Fighter Wing (48 FW), was said to have suffered an issue soon after take-off on Tuesday (July 13) morning.

It subsequently returned to base and landed safely.

Cambs Times: An F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking offAn F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking off (Image: Matt Smart)

Lakenheath has been home to 48 FW since 1960, having already been used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War as a heavy bomber base.

Today it is the only F-15 wing based in Europe, and carries out missions using the F-15C/D Eagle and the F-15E Strike Eagle.

Cambs Times: An F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking offAn F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking off (Image: Matt Smart)

Cambs Times: An F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking offAn F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking off (Image: Matt Smart)

Cambs Times: An F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking offAn F-15 fighter jet from RAF Lakenheath was pictured spitting flames after taking off (Image: Matt Smart)