A DRONE is helping police fight crime from the sky.

The latest technology can search for missing and wanted people, capture aerial pictures for crime scenes and identify cannabis farms.

Police and crime commissioner John Dwyer and deputy police and crime commissioner David McNeilage watched the tiny aircraft in action.

Cheshire Drone Support demonstrated how drones can be used effectively in a multitude of scenarios, not just across the county but also help police forces in other areas when requested.

Cheshire PCC John Dwyer said: “The enthusiasm of the unit was amazing. It’s amazing how this piece of kit can help in so many different policing scenarios, supporting officers on the front line and helping to make Cheshire a safer place to live and work.

“Aviation has always been a passion of mine and to see a unit of officers that have the same enthusiasm is fantastic to see.

"Drones still hold a bit of mystique around them and it was great for me to hear how the officers interact with members of the public, where possible and educate them around this additional resource available to the force.”

Drone Support Unit

Cheshire PCC John Dwyer and assistant PCC David McNeilage watch a demonstration of the drone in action

Sgt Hunter, lead pilot in the Drone Support Unit, which is based at the police HQ in Winsford, said: “It was a great pleasure to provide the commissioner and deputy commissioner a drone demonstration.

"The use of unmanned aircraft technologies are at the forefront of change for police forces across the country.

"I am pleased to say that since the unit came live over a year ago we have managed to have great success here in Cheshire in bringing offenders to justice and protecting those who are vulnerable in our communities.

“The drone has successfully utilized its onboard thermal capabilities to locate missing people and guide officer on the ground to their location to safeguard them. It has also located suspects of crime thus bringing an even better of service to the victims of crime in Cheshire.

“The drone can operate during all hours thanks to its thermal capabilities and can remain airborne over an incident for as long as necessary with the provision of a quick battery change.

“All pilots are fully trained and licensed with the correct authority from the Civil Aviation authority to ensure that each flight is undertaken safely.”