Outgoing GCHQ Chief Warns of Terrorist Drones in British Skies

Drones use in British skies will expand rapidly over the next 20 years, posing a serious security risk and significant privacy concerns, intelligence experts have warned.

Shopping centres, sporting events and public rallies face being exposed to chemical or biological attacks by terror groups exploiting unmanned aircraft, research led by a former director of GCHQ has found.

Terrorists could also turn the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) into flying bombs by hooking them up to improvised explosive devices, according to the University of Birmingham Policy Commission Report.

Drones are the "ideal lookouts for burglars, train robbers and poachers" and mean traditional ways of securing buildings can be bypassed, it said.

The research, led Sir David Omand, a former director at the Government's listening post, found greater civil and military use of the unmanned aircraft is inevitable and could have "significant benefits" for the UK's security and economy.

But it calls for the Government to be open and transparent about the use of the controversial aircraft to increase understanding and acceptance of the "legal and ethical soundness" of using drones.