Police reports the drones may have been used to bring down the plane to crash in the Thames last week. Following the events of the US Airways flight US132, the drone debris’ origins were said to comprise of devices identical to ones used by the British Military, the AAIB and Metropol’s Operations Unit revealed in a press conference. This criminal investigation will be done by the SOU and Metropol with the assistance of the military.
The drone was stated to be one of 734 units that have been manufactured, however the units sold had no relation to the buyers and the past incident, according to the Ministry of Defense (MOD). A birdwatcher from the Abbots Farm Nature Reserve at Essex claimed to have spotted an improvised explosive device (IED), which is confirmed to be on the drones involved in the plane incident, connected with adhesive duct tape that was also found in the plane’s engine. A second IED was found 1.72km east of London City Airport, at Lookout Hill near Thamesmead. The IEDs were later disabled east of Clacton-on-Sea, and were safely detonated 20 meters deep by the Army. Drone operators were nearby on the day of the incident, and any suspicious activity was encouraged to be reported to Metropol by contacting 105.
The 22mm copper piping of the IEDS was said to be purchased from a Wickes store in Essex, its receipts found in the inner pipe. According to the Bomb Disposal Units, the IEDs were deemed “rudimentary [and] non-viable”. These devices were tracked down to three people, two of whom have been arrested at a shed in East Mersea and charged with the possession of explosives. One person is to be questioned about the possession of technology intended to endanger aircraft.
Essex Police also gave a warning on the morning of the incident, after receiving a phone call allegedly made by the “Mersea Pathfinders”, a peaceful protest group advocating against airplane routes that fly over areas of natural beauty surrounding Essex and Kent.
With the help of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, plans have been made to increase security at commercial airports to prepare for any future incidents. In addition, drone-alert security systems will be tested across north-eastern Essex, north Kent and south of Suffolk.