UPDATE: Criminal investigation launched after drone sighting at Heathrow airport yesterday

LONDON’s Heathrow Airport briefly halted departures yesterday (Tuesday) after a report of a drone sighting.

According to London’s Metropolitan Police, reports of a drone sighting “in the vicinity of Heathrow airport” were received just after 17:00pm UK time.

Heathrow’s flights were grounded for around one hour whilst enquiries were made.

The airport resumed flights once it was established it was safe to do so.

A thorough criminal investigation has been activated after multiple sources claim to have seen the drone, including sightings from police officers.

The incident at Heathrow occurred less than a month after London Gatwick Airport’s air travel halt, also due to drone sightings.

The Gatwick incident caused over 1,100 flight delays and cancellations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Air travel officials are having trouble controlling the drones and keeping them away from aircraft.

The Heathrow and Gatwick incidents are clear examples of how easy air travel can be disrupted.

The drone devices are quickly becoming more popular with consumers and businesses.