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© Keith Morris/AlamyThe drones could cost the PSNI up to £1m.
Police force want to buy two remote-controlled aircraft to assist with security at this summer's economic summit

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is expected to buy two drones for the G8 summit in County Fermanagh in June, it emerged tonight. The aircraft can relay live pictures from high-quality cameras and are flown remotely.

It was reported that they could cost around £1m.

World leaders such as US president Barack Obama are expected to attend this summer's economic gathering, and a massive security operation is planned at the luxury Lough Erne golf resort which is hosting the conference.

The PSNI has told the Policing Board that it wants to buy the drones for use during the G8 summit and afterwards to combat terrorism and crime, the BBC said.

The board has to be briefed in advance about any planned purchase or deployment, and that briefing will take place next week.

A board spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that there will be discussions at the board next week around the policing arrangements for the G8 summit."