Cops use drones to keep watch over Lincoln Christmas market amid fears of Berlin-style terror attack
Surrounding streets were blocked with concrete barriers to stop cars driving into the market
ONE of Europe's busiest Christmas markets was watched over by police DRONES in a bid to stop a Berlin-style terror attack.
Some 260,000 people visited Lincoln Christmas market last year, but those who browsed the stalls this December would have noticed one small difference - the four drones flying above.
Armed cops patrolled the medieval square where the market, which finished today, took place and nearby streets were blocked with concrete barriers in a bid to stop cars ploughing their way into the square.
The sudden rise in security measures follow last year's horrific terror attack in Berlin, where a lorry drove straight into a Christmas market, killing 12 people.
Although security measures have been heightened at Christmas markets across Britain, Lincolnshire police are thought to be the only ones who used the drones in their efforts.
Under Civil Aviation Authority rules, drones are banned from flying over large crowds, but a dispensation is made if lives are at risk.
The Lincolnshire drones flew over a launch point from which the market can clearly be seen.
Sergeant Ed Delderfield, who is in charge of the county's drone unit, told : "If there was a firearms incident or somebody was marauding with a firearm, a knife or a vehicle, we are allowed to break regulations and fly over the crowd.
"We could have the drone flying over the main entrance of the cathedral in less than ten seconds.
"We can be a potential eye-in-the-sky for firearms commanders and public order commanders."
The four drones cost £1,200 each, and fly at up to 50mph.
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Officers out and about on the streets were explaining to visitors what the drones were for, and why they were being used.
Tess Hebblewhite, 43, who lives in Lincoln said: "‘I realise Lincoln is probably not at the top of the hit-list for terrorists, but there are thousands of visitors here, so you never know."
Emergency services could be the biggest test for the market's security with snow forecast, but shoppers were disappointed after the final day of the market was cancelled today.
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