Spectators at sporting events were also able to enjoy the solar eclipse that took place across Europe on Wednesday evening.

Millions turned their eyes to the skies for the best solar eclipse since the turn of the century and sports fans were no different, with many taking their special protective glasses to stadiums across the continent.

More than 90% of the sun was obscured by the moon, the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.

Meanwhile, Iceland and northern Spain witnessed Western Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years,

The European Super Cup, between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League winners Aston Villa, took place in Salzburg, Austria, with the solar eclipse providing a stunning backdrop before the game.

Fans were seen taking pictures, while the eclipse was shown on the big screen at the Red Bull Arena.

At Croke Park in Dublin, crowds watched the eclipse before the pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Leeds United.

Two enterprising stewards had brought along welding masks to watch the eclipse safely, while supporters took pictures before the game.

The eclipse was visible just after 6pm in Irish skies with maximum coverage of the sun occurring shortly after 7pm.

There were similar scenes at the Emirates Stadium in north London before Arsenal’s friendly against Serie A side Como, managed by former captain Cesc Fabregas.

Fans both inside and outside the ground were seen enjoying the spectacle, taking pictures and filming it on their phones.

Meanwhile, at the European Championships in Birmingham, spectators enjoyed events on the track and in the sky.

Small groups, including Swedish athletes Erika Warff and Tilde Bjerager, gathered outside Alexander Stadium to observe the phenomenon, congregating on both sides of the terrace below the west stand.

Some were prepared with protective paper glasses while others watched through their phone cameras, although the rare occurrence was already obscured by clouds when it peaked at around 7.15pm.

Not far from the athletics, cricket fans at Edgbaston were given a stunning view of the partial solar eclipse.

Spectators watching Birmingham Phoenix face MI London in The Hundred were able to take in the spectacle from the stands.