A drone has caused disruption in the search for a missing man in Chippenham.
Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) were forced to temporarily halt aerial operations while out looking for 21-year-old Sebastian Sailes earlier today (Sunday).
It came after an unknown drone flew close to the the charity’s own drone – which was working together with a crew on a boat on the River Avon.
A WILSAR spokesperson has since asked people to avoid sending drones into the air nearby.
They said: “We’d like to ask members of the public to not fly their drones near us when we’re working.
“Our own pilot had to land their airframe when an unknown drone flew in close proximity today, while they were working in tandem with a boat crew.”
In a post on the Wiltshire 999s Facebook page, prior to the incident — after comments online suggested people take drones to assist the search — we warned people against it.
Journalist Daniel Jae Webb wrote: “Regarding the ongoing search for Sebastian, we have seen posts online suggesting hobbyists with drones should assist.
“Please DO NOT fly drones in the search area without permission of the search lead at Wiltshire Police.
“Police and WILSAR drones are operating in this area, as is the police helicopter. Hobbyists flying drones in the vicinity will only hinder the emergency services.”
