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The Metropolitan Police are considering using eagles to intercept drones as the fight against crime in the capital moves to the skies.
Met commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has been impressed by similar tactics used by officers in Holland, according to The Times.
Drones, pilot-less aircraft which are controlled remotely, are already being used by police officers to capture footage on 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.
Police in the Netherlands are working with a Hague-based company to investigate whether the birds of prey can be used at large events or near airports where the small flying machines are banned.
The birds would help by taking down the aircraft, which they would consider to be prey.
A Met Police spokesman said: “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.”
