Flights have resumed at Heathrow Airport after a drone sighting grounded all departures.

Officials confirmed they were working with the Met Police to ensure the safety of staff and passengers after the alert was raised at around 5.45pm.

It is understood the northern runway was closed as a result.

An airport spokesman said: “We are responding to a drone sighting at Heathrow and are working closely with the Met Police to prevent any threat to operational safety.

“As a precautionary measure, we have stopped departures while we investigate.

“We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Officials confirmed flights resumed at around 6.30pm, but warned there could be some disruption.

It comes only weeks after drone sightings grounded planes for days at Gatwick Airport just as the Christmas getaway started.