Information has been released concerning the US Airlines aircraft crash on the River Thames in a dress conference earlier today.
Last week, a US Airlines passenger aircraft had to perform an emergency landing on the River Thames after a drone collision caused both engines to fail.
All passengers and staff onboard were successfully saved from the aircraft and transported to shore safely.
Two of the passengers were treated for minor injuries and another was taken to Queens Hospital after suffering from a suspected heart attack.
Debris recovered from Abbotts Farm Nature Reserve in Essex and Lookout Hill near Thamesmead confirms that the drone strike was deliberate and premeditated.
Police have arrested two people suspected to be in connection with the attack, as well as, bring a third member in for questioning. Police are further urging anyone who has any information concerning the attack to come forward.
The debris found was believed to be an improvised explosive device (IED) which had not successfully detonated. The IED was made from 22mm copper piping, glue and black adhesive tape purchased from Wickes. The drone also contained military-grade technology used by the British Army, however, this was confirmed to not be a military attack.
Officials are currently on high alert in the surrounding areas for anymore potential drone strikes. Systems within airports are currently under investigation for improvements to ensure passenger and staff safety.
If you have any information regarding the incident, please notify the police in your local area.
Authorities were also informed that calls were received by Essex Police at 08:00am on the morning of the attack, warning them of drones near the airport. These warnings were not reported until today and we are currently unaware as to whether the pilot had been informed of the warnings before taking off from London City Airport.
The calls were made by ‘Mersea Pathfinders’, a protest group who are against commercial airline flight paths over areas of natural beauty on South East England. The group have made similar calls in the past, all of which had been dismissed as a hoax.
Authorities are currently assessing the current systems and laws in place to prevent any further attacks in the future and ensure the safety of all passengers and staff for all future flights.