Police have launched an investigation following reports of a near-miss between a drone and a commercial flight at Newquay Airport on Tuesday (August 9).

Inspector Dave Meredith, said: ’At 2.54pm a passenger plane containing 62 people was approaching Newquay Airport to land. The aircraft was travelling at around 900 feet and was approximately two miles from the airport, just south of St Columb Major when it reported a near-miss with a drone which flew alongside the aircraft.

’Police immediately conducted a search of the area but neither the drone nor its operator could be located. This is an incredibly concerning incident; the close proximity of the drone to the passenger aircraft shows a complete disregard by the operator for public safety and we are appealing to the public for information to help us track down this reckless drone operator.

’We view such incidents very seriously and the force’s specialist drone unit will be leading on the investigating into this incident.’

If anybody has any information relating to the identity of the drone operator they are asked to phone the police on 101 or via email on [email protected] quoting police log 443 for August 9.

Information can also be sent to the police anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.