The pair are no longer suspects
The two people arrested in connection with the drone sightings that shut down Gatwick Airport have been released without charge.
Sussex Police said that the 47-year-old man and 54-year-old woman from Crawley were no longer suspects. They had been arrested on Friday evening, on suspicion of “the criminal use of drones”.
#GatwickDrones | Two people arrested in conjunction with the widespread disruption of flights at Gatwick Airport have been released withour charge. Both people have fully co-operated with our enquiries and are no longer suspects https://t.co/ijFWo3D5BO
— Sussex Police (@sussex_police) December 23, 2018
Det Ch Supt Jason Tingley said that the pair had “fully co-operated” with authorities, and that police were now “satisfied that they are no longer suspects in the drone incidents at Gatwick”.
“It is important to remember that when people are arrested in an effort to make further enquiries it does not mean that they are guilty of an offence and Sussex Police would not seek to make their identity public.
“Our inquiry continues at a pace to locate those responsible for the drone incursions, and we continue to actively follow lines of investigation.”
“We ask for the public’s continued support by reporting anything suspicious, contacting us with any information in relation to the drone incidents at Gatwick.”
Det Ch Supt Tingley also told Sky News that a damaged drone was found near the airport, and that police were investigating the “forensic opportunities” that it offered.
Sussex Police Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Tingley has told Sky News officers recovered a "damaged drone" close to Gatwick Airport yesterday
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) December 23, 2018
A £50,000 reward has been offered by Gatwick Airport Limited via Crimestoppers, for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction fo those responsible for last week’s delays.
Gatwick airport first suspended flights on Wednesday evening after a drone was spotted near the airfield. The suspension was lifted 36 hours later.
The disruption saw 1,000 flights cancelled or diverted and at least 140,000 passengers have been affected.
