A TOP gun and a top cop both 'cruised' into the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford this afternoon.

Hollywood legend Tom Cruise caused a sensation when he breezed into the air show looking effortless cool in a sharp blue suit and shades despite searing temperatures.

And in a bizarre twist of fate, among the police officers guarding the star was none other than Stroud's very own Mr Cruise - Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Paul Cruise.

Stroud police tweeted that Inspector Cruise is a big fan of the actor, who latest film Top Gun: Maverick is out now.

He is pictured on the right and his name is just about visible on his arm tag.

Inspector Cruise has been head of the Stroud neighbourhood team since July 2020. 

He previously came to Gloucestershire Constabulary in 2007, having worked as a police officer in the Metropolitan Police Service and Cleveland Police.

Excited RIAT organisers also shared the actor’s arrival at the airbase with fans on social media this morning, saying: "He can be our wingman any time!"

 

The sell-out event not far from Swindon is this year celebrating 75 years of the US Air Force, so Tom Cruise's appearance is fitting.

The second Top Gun movie - Top Gun: Maverick - features the kind of jets wowing the crowds at Fairford and has proved a Box Office smash hit, grossing more than $1 billion so far.