UK police have launched an investigation following an incident Aug. 9 in which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was seen several hundred yards away from an ATR 72, operating on behalf of UK regional carrier Flybe, while on approach to Newquay Airport in South West England.

The aircraft, flying from London Stansted Airport, was at roughly 900 feet and two miles from Newquay when the incident occurred.

ATW understands that, contrary to media reports, the incident involved a sighting of the UAV several hundred yards away, rather than being a near-miss.

Nevertheless, “Police immediately conducted a search of the area, but neither the drone nor its operator could be located,” Devon and Cornwall Constabulary spokesman Dave Meredith said.

“The proximity of the drone to the passenger aircraft shows a complete disregard by the operator for public safety and we are appealing to the public for information to help us track down this reckless drone operator. We view such incidents very seriously and the force’s specialist drone unit will be leading on the investigating into this incident.”

“Flybe can confirm that the aircraft in question was an ATR 72 owned by a third-party airline operating this service on behalf of Flybe,” the carrier said in a brief statement. ATW understands the aircraft is owned by Danish Air Transport.

“The safety of its passengers and crew is Flybe’s number one priority and we will always work closely with all relevant authorities to help identify the perpetrators of any such activity that may jeopardize this.”

The incident is the latest in a series of close calls between airliners and UAVs in Western Europe this year.