Skip to content

Misconduct process after child hurt by police drone

Matt Precey
Danny Ashton-Keenan Black drone aircraft lying on pavement. It has visible signs of damage with broken off parts next to it. Alongside is an opened green and black first aid bag.Danny Ashton-Keenan
The drone was pictured lying in the street with visible signs of damage

A police special inspector is to face internal disciplinary proceedings after a drone they were operating seriously injured a child.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its investigation into the incident, which happened a year ago in Sheerness, Kent.

The child required multiple operations after sustaining serious injuries.

It is the first time the IOPC has investigated a drone hitting a civilian. Kent Police confirmed a misconduct process was now under way.

The IOPC said the officer deployed the drone in haste and did not carry out a risk assessment when the incident happened.

The volunteer inspector was responding to a disturbance when the drone - a DJI M30T - hit an overhead cable seconds after it was launched at 16:00 BST on 2 August 2025.

A spokesperson for the watchdog told the BBC: "Emergency first aid was provided at the scene by the officer and by the ambulance service."

The child had two surgeries after suffering "a significant injury to their right thumb and hand".

The child has since recovered, the IOPC added.

Danny Ashton-Keenan Road junction with police cars and uniformed officers. People are milling about. A number of civilian cars also visible. Union flags are seen hanging from a building.Danny Ashton-Keenan
The child was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital

The IOPC concluded that the officer concerned "should attend a misconduct meeting for an alleged breach of the police standards of professional behaviour relating to their preparation and risk assessment prior to launching the drone".

The DJI M30T is not a small consumer drone but a professional-grade model weighing roughly 4kg (9lb) and designed for police, fire and search-and-rescue work.

The crash happened on the corner of Strode Crescent and Winstanley Road.

South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the scene and assessed and treated the child for injuries before taking them to Medway Maritime Hospital. It is understood they were taken to a London hospital for further treatment.

Kent Police said it had "made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who carried out an independent investigation into the circumstances".

"The IOPC decided a special inspector should face misconduct proceedings. This will be arranged in due course" their statement continued.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.