Eagles may soon be used to intercept and take down drones being used by crime gangs in London under a plan being considered by the Metropolitan Police.
According to The Times newspaper, Met commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has been impressed by similar tactics used by Dutch police.
Drones, pilot-less aircraft which are controlled remotely, are already being used by police officers to capture footage of difficult terrain, including cliffs and woodland.
But there are concerns criminal gangs are also capitalising on the opportunities presented by the new technology, including their use in the illegal drugs trade.
The birds would help by taking down the aircraft, which they would consider to be prey.
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"As would be expected in an organisation that is transforming we take an interest in all innovative new ideas and will of course be looking at the work of the Dutch police use of eagles," a Met Police spokesman said.
