Para-glider lands on Buckingham Palace forecourt

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON, DEC. 29. Buckingham Palace has been placed on major security alert after a para-glider breached the air exclusion zone around the palace on Thursday and landed on the forecourt in what is seen as a critical security lapse. The Royal family was not at home when the incident took place.

The man, who was later arrested, was identified as an aspiring Australian writer, Mr. Brette De La Marre, in his 30's and it seems that he picked on a high-profile building to vent his frustration at not being able to get a publisher for his book ``Canine Dawn'', a thriller full of sex and gore.

He told the police that he was fed up with rejection slips from publishers and said his plan was to attract attention at any cost.

A large number of tourists, who were present, were taken by surprise when they saw the motorised glider hover over the palace and then land in its forecourt - the area where the change of guards and other ceremonies take place.

He was immediately overtaken by the police and whisked away for questioning.

Earlier, he took off from Hampstead Heath in north London, flew over the New Scotland Yard building before heading for the palace.

Police said a security helicopter spotted the glider as it approached the palace and tailed it until it landed. Mr. De La Marre, who was released after questioning, praised the London police for its sense of humour and professionalism. He said he was prepared to do ``whatever craziness it takes'' to get his book published.

The incident raised questions about the security at the palace as this the latest in a series of such ``lapses''. In one case, about five years ago, a stark naked American landed on the roof of the palace, and earlier, a man managed to walk into the Queen's bedroom and chat with her before being detected.

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Section  : International
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