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Police seize drone from airport restricted zone

Louise ParryBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageGetty Images A grey and black drone hovering in the sky. It has four 'wings' as part of it. Getty Images
Drones are not permitted to be flown in Flight Restriction Zones near airports

An unauthorised drone flying in restricted airspace near Luton Airport has been seized by police.

Officers on duty at Luton's Party in the Park spotted the device being piloted over nearby Alton Road on Saturday.

Bedfordshire Police said this "breached the airport's flight restriction zone" which extends over the town centre and eastern half of Luton and into the surrounding countryside as far as East Hyde, Bendish and King's Walden.

A London Luton Airport spokesperson said: "Safety is always our highest priority. Drones can pose a risk when operated in restricted airspace or close to aircraft."

News imageGetty A Ryanair plane on the ground at an airport. There is a tall control tower and multi-storey car park in the background, as well as a large rectangular, blue building with a "TUI" logo in red on a lighter blue background on the upper left of the building.Getty
Flight restriction zones cover an area of five kilometres from the centre of an airfield, with further extensions at either end of any runways

Police at the Stockwood Park event, which was headlined by the Kaiser Chiefs, had been monitoring the airspace.

They went to the address in Alton Road, tracked down the drone pilot who did not have the relevant authorisation to fly.

The drone was seized temporarily and words of advice were issued as part of a Community Resolution. No arrest was made or caution given.

The airport spokesperson added: "Anyone flying a drone must comply with the relevant aviation regulations and restrictions.

"We will always support police and other agencies where enforcement action is required."

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