Drone "Near Miss" With passenger Plane

11 August 2016, 11:03 | Updated: 11 August 2016, 12:05

Devon and Cornwall Police say they're investigating reports of a "near miss" between a drone and a passenger plane.

It happened on Tuesday 9th August as the plane, carrying 62 people was approaching Newquay Airport.

Flybe have confirmed that it was an an ATR-72 owned by a third party airline operating the service from London Stanstead on behalf of Flybe.

The plane was travelling at around 900 feet and was approximately 2 miles from the airport, just south of St Columb Major when it reported a near-miss with a drone which flew alongside the aircraft.

Police immediately carried out a search of the area but could not find the drone or its operator.

In a statment, Newquay Airport say "Although on this occasion there was no danger of collision, ATC reported this incident to the Police as the drone should not have been flown in that area without ATC clearance and posed a potential danger to incoming flights."

Inspector of Newquay Police, Dave Meredith said "This is an incredibly concerning incident; the close proximity of the drone to the passenger aircraft shows a complete disregard by the operator for public safety and we are appealing to the public for information to help us track down this reckless drone operator. 

“We view such incidents very seriously and the forces’ specialist drone unit will be leading on the investigating into this incident.”

Anyone with any information relating to the identity of the drone operator they are asked to phone the police on 101 or via email on 101@dc.police.uk 

A Flybe spokesman said "The safety of its passengers and crew is Flybe’s number one priority and we will always work closely with all relevant authorities to help identify the perpetrators of any such activity that may jeopardise this.”