Paris Night Drone Mystery Deepens

Drones have appeared over landmarks in central Paris for the second night running and police are no nearer knowing who is operating them.

There were five sightings by police and the public between 23:00 on Tuesday and 02:00 (01:00 GMT) on Wednesday, French media report.

Up to three drones were seen near the Invalides military museum, Place de la Concorde and two of the old city gates.

Flying over Paris at night is illegal and low flights need authorisation.

Five drones were seen the previous night in similar areas, including the Eiffel Tower and above the US embassy, close to Place de la Concorde.

However, some of the latest drone flights have been captured on film and will be analysed by a 10-strong team of investigators set up after the first incidents.

The new sightings were also on the fringes of central Paris, at the key transport gates of Porte de Clignancourt in the north and Porte de Saint-Cloud in the south-west.

Small drones are inexpensive and easy to buy but their appearance in recent months over sensitive locations has worried French authorities.

Last month a drone was seen over the Elysee Palace, home of President Francois Hollande, and in October a series of nuclear plants was targeted across the country.

Flights over central Paris are banned during the day below 6,000m (19,700ft).

While drones are capable of providing high-quality aerial film, it is unclear whether the operators pose any security threat or are merely enthusiasts.

Analysts say the authorities are more likely to be concerned that a member of the public could be hit by a drone than by the risk to security.  (BBC)