News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Eagles could be used to take down rogue drones under new police powers.

From spring, officers will be able to force operators to ground their gadgets if they are flying recklessly or committing a crime.

The aircraft are being so widely used to smuggle drugs, weapons and phones into jails that prison officers catch one every five days.

Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah told MPs: “In Holland they are using eagles to stop drones. I’m sure we will find a solution in the UK which will take off.”

(Image: Getty)

Dutch police have been testing eagles since 2015, with 100 officers trained to use the birds.

Spokesman Denis Janus said: “It’s a low-tech solution to a hi-tech problem. None of the eagles were hurt and no drones survived.”

(Image: Getty) (Image: Getty)

Under the Drone Bill, owners will be banned from flying near airports or above 400ft.

They will also have to sit safety awareness tests and use apps to plan flights.