Gatwick Airport drone arrests: Pair released WITHOUT charge

Police released the couple on Sunday, December 23 without charge. The shutdown started at 9pm on Wednesday, when two drones were spotted flying “over the perimeter”. The runway briefly

reopened at 3am on Thursday but was closed soon after following “a further sighting of drones”. Sussex Police Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Tingley said: "Both people have fully

co-operated with our enquiries and I am satisfied that they are no longer suspects in the drone incidents at Gatwick.

Read more: Gatwick offers colossal £50,000 REWARD for drone chaos masterminds

I am 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."

Police are now offering a £50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

"Our inquiry continues at a pace to locate those responsible for the drone incursions, and we continue to actively follow lines of investigation.

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Since the first sighting of a drone at 9pm on Wednesday, 150,000 passengers had their flight cancelled.

Mr Gait, who is a self-employed builder, has an interest in remote control vehicles and uses a small drone, helicopter and cars as a hobby.

Neighbours were shocked the pair were arrested in the first place as they described them as “charming” and they would be “staggered” if it was true they had been involved in the drone

incidents.

When they were arrested, Sussex Police said they were held on suspicion of “disrupting services of civil aviation aerodrome to endanger or likely to endanger safety of operations or

persons”.

Anyone with information are being urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Police have reminded those willing to come forward that "payout on the reward will be made only if

the information is given to Crimestoppers first".

READ MORE: Gatwick chaos goes on as rogue drones force airport to shut

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