UK drone pilot arrested for breaking airspace restriction during Trump visit

A 37-year-old man from Brentford, London, has been arrested at Windsor Great Park for violating a temporary airspace restriction imposed for the state visit of US President Donald Trump. The man remains in police custody as the incident is under investigation.

The temporary airspace restriction, which covers all aircraft including drones, is in effect until September 18 around Windsor. Thames Valley Police had previously warned that any breaches of these airspace restrictions would be handled firmly, Caliber.Az reports via BBC. 

"We have a significant security operation in place in and around Windsor for the visit of President Trump, and this now includes additional airspace restrictions over Chequers," Inspector Matthew Wilkinson, from the Joint Operations Unit, said. "These restrictions are a standard part of our planning for high-profile visits and are designed to protect everyone involved, including members of the public."

The security operation at Windsor Castle has been described as a “ring of steel.” The large American presence during the visit has led some local residents to nickname Windsor “Trumpton,” after the 1970s children’s TV show of the same name.

The state visit will feature 1,300 troops and 120 horses involved in the security arrangements.

By Sabina Mammadli