Police drones are being launched remotely over railway lines in Manchester as part of a scheme aimed at finding trespassers and reducing delays.
The aircraft are kept in weatherproof boxes at sites beside the railway and can be launched remotely by pilots based in London when an incident is reported.
Since the British Transport Police (BTP) launched its first site in Leeds in April 2025, four sites have been introduced across south London, as well as sites in Leicester and Manchester.
The BPT said Manchester was chosen because it is a known hotspot for trespass and disruption.
A pilot does not need to be on or near the site before the drone can take off, and the drone can also be used proactively – to patrol areas where intelligence suggests trespassing may be taking place.
BTP hopes to establish further sites in the North West as it expands the programme, although no additional locations have been announced so far.