UK - Police Seize Drone from Luton Airport Restricted Zone
An unauthorised drone flying in restricted airspace near Luton Airport has been seized by police, the BBC reported. Officers on duty at Luton's Party in the Park spotted the device being piloted over nearby Alton Road on Saturday.
Bedfordshire Police said the flight 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. Flight restriction zones typically cover an area of five kilometres from the centre of an airfield, with further extensions at either end of runways.
Police at the Stockwood Park event had been monitoring the airspace, located the pilot in Alton Road, and found the operator 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.
A London Luton Airport spokesperson said safety is the highest priority and that drones can pose a risk when operated in restricted airspace or close to aircraft, adding that anyone flying a drone must comply with aviation regulations and that the airport supports police where enforcement action is required.