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The editor of Drone User magazine, Steve Timewell, made the astonishing claims on TalkRadio this afternoon. The drone efficianado said: “The sensationalist media love this type of story. And who knows - it could be a conspiracy to force the total banning of all drones.

Radio host Jamie East paused for a moment, as if struggling to know how to respond. He began slowly: “Gatwick airport would shut down for a day just to get rid of drones?” Mr Timewell continued: “The first thing we need to clarify in this situation is if this test incident is an alleged drone incident. “As with all drone reports, we’ve yet to see any photographic evidence of a drone involved.”

Gatwick Airport: A drone expert suggested the 'drone' could be a 'plastic bag with lights'

Mr East questioned: “What else could it be?” His guest explained: “So basically, at the moment, this is a UFO sighting which is an unidentified flying object and it should be described as that until we know otherwise. “It could be a carrier bag with lights on, who knows?” Mr East didn’t look entirely convinced by this suggestion.

But his guest used his own logic to unravel the situation: “There are two types of drone user - the first is the type that sees the benefit of drones and uses them responsibly. “The second one is the person who buys a cheap diesel drone off eBay and just flies it wherever he likes. “However, no matter how stupid this person is, I don’t believe that they would fly it over Gatwick Airport. “So basically, this is either a deliberate attempt to cause disruption to the airport or a deliberate attempt to discredit drones.”

Gatwick Airport: The Sussex airport has been closed for over 24 hours after a drone was spotted over

Gatwick Airport has been closed after drones flew over the runway forcing all flights in and out to be suspended, leaving hundreds and thousands of travellers hoping to get away for Christmas stranded. Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesman stated that those flying the drones were “irresponsible and completely unacceptable” and voiced sympathy for people having their travel plans upset just days before Christmas. Theresa May herself later made a statement saying: “I feel for all those passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted by this drone activity and the action that has had to be taken in response to it. At this particular time of year this is particularly difficult for people. “We have already passed legislation in relation to the use of drones. As it has been made clear, the activity we have seen is illegal and those who are caught endangering aircraft can face up to five years in prison. And we’re consulting on further aspects of this including further police powers.