Police drones trial at Gatwick Airport meets with fierce criticism

Katy Bourne said the drone still had to pass a series of tests before it would be approved for widespread use. Credit: Daybreak/ITV

Sussex Police are piloting a surveillance scheme which could revolutionise the way crimes are recorded amid criticisms the scheme could be an invasion of privacy.

The force has been using unmanned aircrafts systems or drones to fly over Gatwick airport so they can see exactly what is going on.

High-quality pictures are beamed back to officers using a portable console, up to 500 metres away.

Police say this allows them to quickly assess locations and film incidents from above.

They also believe it is more cost effective than the equivalent - filming incidents from a helicopter.

However, civil liberties groups questioned the "pressing need" for drones and argued there was already enough CCTV around Gatwick airport.

Big Brother Watch's Emma Carr wondered if the current CCTV would be replaced by the drone. Credit: Daybreak/ITV