Zoning in on drone danger
POLICE have vowed to snare the drone pilots who caused flights to be suspended at Heathrow Airport.
The Army has been drafted in to beef up security at the airport after a drone was spotted by police officers and members of the public near one of the runways on January 8, grounding flights for an hour.
Scotland Yard said “extensive inquiries” were continuing, and appealed for any information that may help trace the owner and operator of the drone, which was witnessed flying over Heathrow just after 5pm on Tuesday last week. They said “significant resources” were deployed to monitor the airspace around Heathrow while “military assistance” was also being provided.
Met Police Commander Stuart Cundy said: “Our priority is keeping the airspace over London’s airports safe for the thousands of planes flying in and out every week.
“Any deliberate acts to endanger the airfield and aircraft are serious offences that can carry lengthy prison sentences. If flown into the path of an aircraft, a drone has the potential to cause great harm to those on board.
“Anyone caught illegally operating drones will be dealt with robustly.”
He added: “We understand the extensive frustration and inconvenience that suspending flights causes the public. Anyone with information about the incident or who may have suspicions in relation to illegal drone in the area of are asked to report online or call 101.
“If you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the airport, or you believe you have sighted a drone or model aircraft in the area of an airport, then please dial 999 immediately.” He that said specific operational tactics in relation to dealing with illegal drone use cannot be discussed.