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Photojournalist arrested after using drone near Gatwick

A photojournalist has been arrested by police after using a drone near Gatwick Airport. Eddie Mitchell - approval by the CAA to commercially operate small unmanned aircraft - was held for hours.

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Journalist arrested for 'breaching the peace' with drone

Surrey Police have confirmed that a 49-year-old man has been arrested for breaching the peace.

The 49-year-old cameraman's arrest followed complaints from local residents and others in the vicinity of the tragic incident in which a woman and two young children sadly lost their lives.

Police confiscated the drone during his arrest but are in the process of returning it to the cameraman.

A number of uniformed officers and detectives were sent to the scene of this tragic incident to assist Surrey Fire and Rescue Service with their investigation.

“While in attendance, concerns about the behaviour of a man were raised to officers from people who believed he was acting in a disrespectful and intrusive manner.

“At the time of the arrest, the main focus for officers and fire crew at the scene was to conclude the initial forensic investigation and to allow the dignified removal of the bodies of those who had sadly died.

“This was a deeply distressing incident which has devastated the community and the impact will be felt for some time. The thoughts of all at Surrey Police are with those affected by the fire.”

– Detective Chief Inspector Antony Archibald

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