A MAN has been arrested for flying a drone in restricted airspace ahead of Donald Trump’s second State Visit.
Cops have launched a probe after the 37-year-old was snared at Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, earlier today.
EPARound-the-clock security will see Windsor Castle policed by 55 drones[/caption]
An investigation is ongoing into the incident
Troops take part in a rehearsal for the Guard of Honour
The man, from Brentford, west London, remains in custody.
Thames Valley Police confirmed an investigation is ongoing into the incident.
Airspace restrictions are currently in place for the US President’s State Visit, which kicks off later today.
The force said: “A 37-year-old man from Brentford, London was arrested at Windsor Great Park for flying a drone that breached an airspace restriction order.
“The incident is being investigated under aviation legislation, and the man remains in police custody.
“This serves as a reminder that airspace restrictions are currently in place for the state visit and any breaches will be dealt with robustly.
“Between 16–18 September, a temporary airspace restriction is in effect over and around Windsor, covering all aircraft, including drones.”
The State Visit will be one of the UK’s biggest security operations.
Preparations were stepped up in the wake of Trump ally Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which sparked fears of copycat political violence.
The 24/7 operation will see Windsor Castle policed by 55 drones – in a security campaign to rival even the King’s Coronation two years ago.
King Charles will host the US President and First Lady Melania for two days.
In this time, they will be given a ceremonial welcome and State Banquet after arriving on Tuesday.
Chris Phillips, former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, said the biggest risk is likely from a close-quarters attack.
He suggested this would be more likely than a sniper – but stressed every possibility has to be guarded against.
He continued by saying that even a drone carrying a bomb was a possibility.
Mr Phillips added: “We don’t have a gun culture, but there are firearms here.
“Flags will be used to block high points to stop a sniper attack like the one on Charlie Kirk and the attempt on Mr Trump last year.
“Drones present a new risk and police will have anti-drone guns in case of one being used for a bomb attack.
“This President is disliked by so many people, there are bound to be demonstrations against him and that will create an extra difficulty for police.
“Make no mistake, the threat against Mr Trump is very real.
“The threat of assassination will be lower in the UK, but there is still a threat.”
Yesterday, cops were seen searching drains close to Windsor Castle and barricades were erected along the Long Walk in preparation.
Ahead of Mr Trump’s arrival, signs were put up banning drones.
And Windsor’s streets are lined with Stars and Stripes flags and Union Jacks in a show of unity.
ReutersIt comes after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University[/caption]
The trip is Mr Trump’s second State Visit to the UK
The President has already faced two assassination attempts in the US
The trip is Mr Trump’s second State Visit to the UK — an unprecedented gesture.
But it comes after US conservative activist Mr Kirk, 31, was shot dead at an event at Utah Valley University last week.
Mr Trump, who said he was “filled with grief and anger” at his friend’s killing, will attend his funeral on September 21.
Murder suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, is being held in custody, with his motive still publicly unknown.
The President has already faced two assassination attempts in the US and will bring his own armoured limousine called “The Beast”.
For Mr Trump’s first State Visit in 2019, it was estimated he brought 1,000 staff, including 150 secret service agents.
Thousands protested against him in London then, and more demonstrations are expected this time.
As a result, the first day of his trip will be entirely behind closed doors.
Police operational firearms commander Daniel Hatfield said: “We have considered anything from a low to a high-threat incident.
“It’s a very comprehensive security operation as a result.”
The long Walk at Windsor has been fenced off
Windsor’s streets are lined with Stars and Stripes flags Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
