Appeal for information following reports of paramotors being flown at Crosby beach

We are appealing for information following increased reports of paramotors being flown at Crosby beach.

A paramotor is a powered paraglider and consists of a wing, a backpack-mounted engine, propeller system and a harness. Pilots must abide by aviation law, including the Air Navigation Order.

In recent weeks, we’ve received numerous reports of pilots using paramotors on Burbo Bank, next to Crosby beach.

It’s been reported that pilots have been using a field next to the coastguard at Burbo Bank, which is a popular site for visitors, and they’ve gone on to travel extremely low to the ground despite the presence of families and children.

The site has been identified as a ‘congested area’ as per the Air Navigation Order, meaning pilots can't take off or land without the express permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

During a recent report, officers attended and were able to identify a user of a paramotor and he was spoken to at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing into this particular incident.

Chief Inspector Rob Budden said: “We’ve received multiple reports in recent weeks of pilots using the busy area of Burbo Bank to take off, land and fly extremely low to the ground. This has caused members of the public, including families with young children, to feel unsafe.

“This is a very popular spot for families to visit and we are urging pilots to stop this dangerous behaviour.

“The matter is being taken extremely seriously and legal action will be pursued against those responsible.

“If you are aware of a paramotor being used in this manner, please get in touch. Similarly, if you have any information or footage of previous incidents, let us know and we will investigate.”

You can pass on information by calling 101 or contact us on social media @MerPolCC.