Drone 'within metres' of colliding with passenger jet near Houses of Parliament

A drone came within metres of colliding with a passenger jet near the Houses of Parliament.

A report revealed how the silver drone with a balloon-like centre and four small rotors on each corner was spotted by the pilot of the Embraer 170 at 2,000ft on September 13 2015.

A report, published by UK Airprox Board, revealed how the pilot thought it was "pure chance" they did not hit each other.

The flight had been passing close to the Houses of Parliament at a speed of about 180mph as it came in to land at London City Airport.

It was estimated by the pilot that the drone came within 20 metres of the jet, which can carry up to 76 passengers.

The report also reveals that there were five other incidents involving drones between August and September last year.

Three near-misses involved passenger planes either coming into land or flying out of large UK airports, including Stansted, Heathrow and Manchester.

A spokesman for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said those operating a drone must do so responsibly - observing all the relevant rules and regulations.