A drone that was found flying above Liverpool without permission has been seized by police.
At around 10pm on Thursday, May 11, police spotted a drone flying above Liverpool City Centre in a restricted area. Officers swiftly found the owner of the drone, a man in his 30s and seized it.
It comes after Merseyside Police announced flight restrictions would be in place above the city throughout the Eurovision Song Contest. The action affects the use of drones and does not affect commercial flights.
READ MORE: Eurovision's Graham Norton flooded with support as he issues apology to Liverpool
The flight restrictions affecting drones first came into place on Thursday, May 4, and will end on Sunday, May 14.
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 drone.exemptions@merseyside.police.uk
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
READ NEXT
Woman to face murder trial later this year after man, 24, stabbed to death
Eurovision boss Martin ÖSterdahl wants Liverpool to 'host every year'
Primark's £14 shoes look very similar to £119 Kurt Geiger version
Order your 48-page Eurovision souvenir guide from our online shop
