Drone seized after breaching airspace during HMS Prince of Wales's Liverpool visit

A drone has been seized after breaching a temporary flight restriction zone set up for HMS Prince of Wales's visit to Liverpool.

The drone was spotted flying within the restricted airspace around the aircraft carrier, which was docked at Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

Police and Ministry of Defence officers located the drone's operator and the device was confiscated.

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The operation will be investigated, and authorities have warned drone pilots to comply with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations.

A police spokesperson said: "The restriction will remain in place until 10am on Monday 9 December, meaning it will be an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2,000ft (609 metres) above sea level in the designated area, without the explicit permission of Merseyside Police."

Meanwhile, hundreds of sailors from the ship, accompanied by the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, paraded through Liverpool city centre to mark the carrier's connection to the city.

Nearly 800 Royal Navy personnel took part, passing Liverpool Town Hall where they received a salute from Lord Mayor Councillor Richard Kemp and Captain Will Blackett, the ship's commanding officer.

Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle, who visited the ship last Wednesday, said: "It was fantastic to see HMS Prince of Wales berthed on the River Mersey, showcasing the impressive defence capabilities, sailors and service personnel keeping Britain safe and secure at sea across the globe."

HMS Prince of Wales is preparing for her deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.

The vessel's 800-strong crew continues to showcase the UK's maritime capabilities while docked in Liverpool.