Fantasy fans buzzing the set of Game of Thrones with drones are ‘putting stars at risk’

FANTASY fans are so keen to keep up with the latest plot lines on the hit show Game of Thrones they are buzzing the set with drones to film up-to-date spoilers.

The problem is now so bad, the security bosses are considering a string of radical ways to tackle the offenders over fears they are risking the safety of the show's stars.

G4S, the security company that guards the sets of the HBO show in Northern Ireland said drones are being flown over the set by fans  and others hoping to sell spoilers.

Many are desperate to get early footage of the seventh season -  due to air next summer.

Noah Price, head of solutions development at G4S UK, said at the moment it dealt with the intruders by informing the Civil Aviation Authority, which sets the rules for drone flying.

These include a ban on drones with cameras from going within 50 metres of people, vehicles, buildings or other structures, and requiring drones to stay clear of congested areas or large gatherings such as concerts and sports events.

Last year, footage of filming captured at Ballintoy Harbour, Antrim, went viral, although the recording did not betray any plot details.

This year there were reports that the production company making Star Wars: Episode VIII had hired squadrons of so-called good drones to see off any unwanted drones above their film sets in Croatia.

Drones have also become a big problem for production companies, with AMC Studios even shooting dummy scenes of The Walking Dead on its sets in Georgia, US, to help protect plot security.

Common problems include drones being used to deliver drugs, mobile phones and food to prisoners and to capture footage of football matches and concerts from open-air stadiums.

It emerged this week that an Airbus A320 passenger jet missed colliding with a drone above the Shard this summer by just metres. Near-misses take place once every six days, on average.