The police force in charge of the investigation into the drone attack at Gatwick airport has been told to step aside and allow others to take over amid mounting criticism over its handling of the probe.

MPs and peers claimed that the response by Sussex Police to the prolonged disruption at Britain’s second largest airport was “inadequate”, as they urged ministers to call in the Metropolitan Police to offer its expertise.

They included Lord Harris of Haringey, the former Home Office representative to the Metropolitan Police Authority, who suggested an attack on critical national infrastructure warranted the involvement of Scotland Yard.

It comes after ministers accused police chiefs heading the investigation of “messing up”, after they arrested and held an innocent couple for 36 hours.

Paul Gait, 47, and Elaine Kirk, 54, on Monday criticised the way officers had conducted a search of their home, which left them feeling “completely violated”.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, John Allard, Mr Gait’s employer, said the investigation had been handled “appallingly” and should now be taken over by a different force.