DRONES are being used by police to photograph and monitor crashes, prompting privacy fears.

The gadgets are being sent into the air by Sussex Police officers to photograph crash scenes as the emergency services work below.

Many forces have tested unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) after they have become more affordable in recent years but Sussex Police are one of only a handful currently using the technology.

In 2013, the force tried out the gadgets during a month-long trial at Gatwick.

Now they are being used for other policing activities, such as crash reconstructions and search and rescue.

A police spokesman said the technology could help speed investigations and help get roads reopened quickly following crashes.

A team of officers in charge of operating a drone works closely with the Force Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Unit to capture images to help with reconstructions after serious crashes.

So far, the force only has one drone but are investigating how they could make operations more efficient.

The initial project was funded by £45,000 from the Association of Chief Police Officer. UAVs must be licensed in line with Civil Aviation Authority rules.

A force spokesman said: “The trial has shown the technology has a place in the policing of the airport, although how it would be deployed day to day has not yet been decided.

“It is likely it would be used alongside the current system of patrols in the area.”

The gadgets cannot be used to help gather evidence or monitor events from a distance to detect crime or prosecute offenders but they can be used when sending out patrols that would put officers at risk. They can also be used to help find missing people, the spokesman said.

The gadget is not intended to replace the force helicopter, with Sussex Police now paying a fee to the National Police Air Service.

Privacy campaigner John Catt claimed the use of drones by police was “sinister” and an invasion of civil liberties.

The 90-year-old, from Brighton, said: “I am opposed to drones as I believe they invade people’s privacy.

“As part of these operations pictures of people and their property could be taken without their permission, which is an intrusion.”

Sussex Police said their usage is still governed by CCTV and surveillance guidelines.

The spokesman added: “Where possible, the team will always seek permission of the landowner that the system will be deployed from.

“Where it will not compromise an investigation, the team will look to publicise operational deployments.”

l The police have taken a privacy battle with war veteran Mr Catt to the Supreme Court after he claimed officers kept tabs on his peaceful activities.

They are seeking a Court of Appeal ruling in favour of Mr Catt to be overturned after judges declared details of the activist, who demonstrated at public protests, were unlawfully kept on a police “extremism” database.

Mr Catt argued he has not engaged in criminality and the retention of data about him breaches his privacy under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Click here to watch the drone in action