Plane-spotters to get warning letter over RAF base

Plane-spotters have been flocking to RAF Waddington

A number of aircraft enthusiasts will be issued with anti-social behaviour warning letters for straying outside a designated viewing zone at an RAF base, police have said.

Plane-spotters, including children, have been seen standing near safety fencing at RAF Waddington, in Lincolnshire, to secure better views.

Police said the base had clear signage and officers had made "efforts to engage with spotters", but a group had chosen to ignore the advice.

The force said further action would be taken if enthusiasts continued to flout the rules.

RAF Waddington is one of the UK's busiest stations and home to the Red Arrows.

In a post on Facebook, police said a group of individuals were found standing and taking photographs at a red and white safety fence for an extended period of time.

A spokesperson for the Hykeham and Bracebridge Heath division of Lincolnshire Police said: "We remind everyone to please adhere to the marked areas. These zones are there for your safety and to ensure the safety of [the aircraft]."

Last week, the RAF issued a warning about spectators standing close to the fencing, which is designed to withstand the forces generated by aircraft.

There was a "significant risk" of spectators being blown on to the A15, a spokesperson for RAF Waddington said.

The RAF provides dedicated viewing areas at both RAF Waddington and RAF Coningsby.

Similar issues have been encountered at Coningsby, which is home to two frontline, combat-ready squadrons and is the training station for Typhoon pilots.

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