Essex Police has issued a safety warning over a best-selling Christmas gift.

Hundreds of remote controlled drones, which can now cost less than £50, are expected to be unwrapped on Christmas morning.

A police statement said users should make sure they know how to control the devices and stick to the strict rules set out by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Drones should only be used up to 120 metres, they must not be flown at night, through clouds or fog, and they must remain within sight and no more than 500m from their operator.

They may not operate over or within 150 metres of any residential area.

Two weeks ago the Gazette reported that a drone crashed into a home in Sible Hedingham.