Sometimes the internet has a tendency to contort the facts when certain stories and events get spun out into the public domain.
In particular, it would appear that many people are starting to believe the theory that there weren’t any drones spotted over Gatwick and that the shutting of the airport was unnecessary.
We have seen and read bizarre reports that UFO’s (of the interstellar kind) were behind the sightings and that hard-line conservative party members took to the skies with their toy shop drones in order to take the heat off of Mrs May….
So, in the true tradition of sharing what is actually known by the people who were actually involved (the emergency services & security services), we thought that we would try to assist in ‘clearing up’ some of the myths which are currently doing the rounds.
Sussex Police Deputy Chief Constable Jo Shiner said:
“We can unequivocally state that there have been numerous illegal drone sightings at the airport over three days from 19 to 21 December.
“There were numerous reports clustered around 37 occasions where a drone or drones were seen and I am keen for those responsible to be brought to justice.”
A £50,000 reward is being offered for information in relation to the numerous illegal drone sightings at Gatwick Airport.
Gatwick Airport Limited is offering the reward through independent charity Crimestoppers, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the acts that caused widespread disruption of flights in the run up to Christmas.
The first report was on 19 December around 9pm when an airport security officer finishing work reported seeing two drones flying near Perimeter Road South, describing their cross shape and flashing lights.
Other sightings include:
Half an hour later at about 9.30pm six people, including five police officers, reported within 15 minutes of each other seeing a drone, with white and red lights, near the runway.
Early the next morning at around 1.15am on 20 December, six people – three airport workers and three police officers – reported over 30 minutes seeing a drone near the runway.
Over about 30 minutes at about 5pm on 21 December six people – a member of the public and five police officers – reported seeing a drone near a hangar.
In a further report at around 7.15pm on 21 December a pilot reported seeing a drone near a stand on the airfield. The account was corroborated by a member of staff.
DCC Shiner added:
“The impact of this behaviour has been enormous and we are determined to locate those responsible to bring them to justice.
“We urge the public to contact us if they feel they have information that will help us in our investigation. Contacting Crimestoppers they can do this anonymously.
“We ask the public to continue to support us by reporting any suspicious activity.”
Mark Hallas, Chief Executive Officer of Crimestoppers, said:
“We are happy to support Gatwick Airport Limited on this reward to catch whoever has been ruining the travel plans of so many people this holiday season.
“Giving information through Crimestoppers, whether by phone or online, will always be 100% anonymous – we’re interested in what you know, not your name.”
If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the non-traceable anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The reward will only qualify if information is passed to Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or via the non-traceable anonymous online form at Crimestoppers website
Featured image credit: Sussex Police | Facebook
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