Biggin Hill: Smuggling allegations involving Biggin Hill Airport are to be investigated by police and customs officers.

Residents claim that planes have used the airport at night, when it is closed, have been denied by airport bosses, who say security measures are in place to prevent planes landing illegally.

But police and customs officers told a packed residents' meeting small airfields were at risk from smugglers.

It is thought anyone using the airport illegally would be bringing people, drugs or arms into London's underworld.

A special operations officer told the meeting the sums of money to be gained from smuggling drugs were easily high enough for people to think criminal activity was worth the risk.

He appealed to residents to contact a special Airwatch number if they saw any suspicious aircraft trying to land, so immediate action could be taken.

Biggin Hill and District Residents' Association chairman David Haslam said: "The reports of aircraft activity at night have come from reliable, trustworthy members of the community and I think their claims worthy of investigation.

"Of course people are very concerned about misuse of airports after the events of September 11.

"Oficers at the meeting stressed it is important for people to call the Airwatch number as soon as they see anything suspicious, and I hope people in Biggin Hill will do so.

"It would be better to investigate 100 complaints if one of them turns out to be a serious drugs haul."

Airport spokesman Julie Black said: "It would be very difficult for anyone to land a plane here at night with no runway lights or navigational aids.

"Earlier this year one of the small aircraft arrived 20 minutes late when we were closed and the pilot was arrested immediately and whisked away.

"We have security guards on 24-hour patrol and have stepped up security improvements since September 11. Like all major airports, we comply with national security regulations.

"Of course we would always co-operate fully with police and customs."

Anyone who observes any suspicious flights over Biggin Hill should call Airwatch free on 0800 595000.

October 23, 2001 11:30