Drone seized after it was flown in restricted area during Eurovision

A drone has been seized by officers after it was flown in a restricted area above Liverpool city centre.

There are currently flight restrictions in place affecting drones as part of the policing operation of the Eurovision Song Contest.

At around 10pm last night (Thursday 11 May), officers were made aware that a drone was being flown in the restricted area. Following the swift action of officers, the drone was seized and a man in his 30s was spoken to.

The flight restrictions affecting drones first came into place on Thursday 4 May and will end on Sunday 14 May. 

Chief Inspector Stephen Hardy said: “This incident demonstrated the excellent detection work by officers who were able to swiftly seize the drone and identify the owner, who was spoken to by officers.

“Please be mindful that airspace restrictions will remain in place until Sunday and if we suspect a drone is being flown in the restricted area then we will take action.

“If you commit an offence and fly a drone within the restricted area without permission, your equipment will be seized and confiscated.

“Our policing plans for the Eurovision Song Contest take land, sea and air into consideration and these airspace restrictions, just like other security measures such as road closures or patrols on the River Mersey, are aimed at keeping people safe.

“Remember, you commit an offence if you fly within the restricted areas without permission. Full details of the restrictions are available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website.”

If you wish to fly a drone in these areas, you must obtain permission from Merseyside Police by contacting us at [email protected] 

For further information on the restricted areas go to www.caa.co.uk/drones/airspace-and-restrictions/airspace-restrictions-for-remotely-piloted-aircraft-and-drones