Drone alert hits flights

EAST Midlands Airport had to divert eight flights to other airports when drones were seen nearby.

The runway was closed for half an hour on Friday.

The drones were sighted a mile away near Donington Park in Leicestershire, where the Download rock festival was taking place.

A joint statement issued by the festival, airport and police said: “The safe operation of the EMA aerodrome and the safety of the public at the event are our top priority.”