French police investigate after small aircraft seen over tourist sites such as Louvre and Eiffel tower, as well as US embassy

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Paris police say they have spotted at least five drones flying over the French capital overnight, and an investigation is under way into who was flying them and why.

BFM TV reported they were seen flying over the Eiffel tower, the Louvre museum and the US embassy, among other locations.

A Paris police official confirmed the presence of the drones in city airspace but would not provide other details. The national gendarme service said an investigation had been launched.

In recent months France has seen dozens of mystery drones flying over nuclear plants and military installations. One flew over the presidential palace.

French authorities said the drones currently present no threat but the government has asked scientists to help devise ways to counteract the devices.