Isis 'could use drones to carry out terror attacks in UK'

Aerial weapons: Experts have warned Isis militants could use drones for attacks
Boris Horvat/AFP/Getty Images

Terrorists could carry out atrocities in the UK using drones armed with explosives, according to a leading security expert.

Former Navy head Admiral Lord West of Spithead called for tighter safeguards on the devices after ministers confirmed Islamic State has armed them with explosives.

The Foreign Office today confirmed it had evidence that IS was adapting widely available commercial drones to carry explosives in the Middle East, as well as using them for surveillance and propaganda purposes.

Former security minister Admiral Lord West said if the terror group was using the technology in its heartlands it was likely to use drones in the West.

He warned: "I don't think our control of drones is as tight as it should be.

"If they are using them there, then in fact they are probably even easier to use them here because you can get them so much easier.

"You can pop into any store and buy them. Therefore I am very concerned.

"There is a thing you can do which makes the drone inoperative if it goes on to a boundary of some area, it just stops being able to function. I think that should be mandatory in drones.

"The other thing is, I think buying drones of a certain size - let's say ones that can carry two pounds weight and above - you should, rather like getting a gun licence, have some way of proving who you are and registering."

Ministers are examining the possibility of introducing a drone registration scheme in the UK, similar to the ones already in place in Ireland and the US.

The Civil Aviation Authority advises that drone operators must be able to see the craft at all times and must not fly above 400ft (122m).

Drones fitted with cameras must not be flown within 50m (164ft) of people, vehicles or buildings, or over congested areas or large gatherings such as concerts and sports events.

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