Met police considering using eagles to take out drones

Eagles could be used to intercept drones as the fight against crime in London moves to the skies, Scotland Yard has said.

Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is reported to have been impressed by similar tactics used by officers in Holland.

Drones, pilot-less aircraft which are controlled remotely, are already being used by police officers to capture footage on difficult terrain, including cliffs and woodland.

But there are concerns criminal gangs are also capitalising on the opportunities presented by the new technology, including their use in the illegal drugs trade and even for smuggling goods into prisons.

The birds would help by taking down the aircraft, which they would consider to be prey.

A Met Police spokesman said: "As would be expected in an organisation that is transforming we take an interest in all innovative new ideas and will of course be looking at the work of the Dutch police use of eagles."