Cheshire police warn that terrorists could be flying over our heads

Jan 14 2010 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

TERRORISTS could be learning to fly in aircraft over Cheshire.

That is the stark warning from police who are urging people to come forward if they spot any suspicious activity in the skies above the county.

The Al Quaida terrorists who carried out the atrocities of September 11, 2001, learned to fly small aircraft at American training centres.

Now Cheshire police are warning pilots and passengers in small planes and helicopters could be mounting a terror plot, conducting surveillance activities or transporting drugs.

In Cheshire an increasing number of private aircraft are being flown for business users, aerial surveys, media coverage, postal and freight services and, most commonly, pilot training and recreational flying.

Cheshire Police Counter Terrorism Branch is responsible for keeping an eye on the skies.

DC Steve Jackson of Cheshire police said: “We urge pilots involved in general aviation to inform us of their flight plans and passenger information where necessary. If this intelligence is gathered before an aircraft takes off we are able to act on it.

“As part of Cheshire Constabulary’s overall counter terrorism strategy we encourage members of the general aviation community to contact us to discuss any concerns or suspicious activity.”

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321, or alemail small.ports.unit@ cheshire.pnn.police.co.uk.