Police in Nelson are investigating the shooting of a drone that was filming a packed public speedway event.
A screenshot from footage taken by the drone on Saturday. Photo: SUPPLIED / Sherlock Vision
The incident on Saturday night has shocked the drone operator and the Nelson Speedway Association, which said there were more than 4000 people there at the time.
Sherlock Vision co-owner Geoff Sherlock said the drone had filmed footage of the racing and a fireworks display at the speedway, and was then hit by a shot that the police believed was fired from the road outside the speedway.
He said the live feed from the drone suddenly stopped and the machine was landed manually, which is when the damage from the shot was found.
Speedway Association president Wayne Martin said they were grateful no-one was hurt in what he called an incredibly dangerous act.
A close-up shows some of the damage to the drone after the incident. Photo: SUPPLIED / Sherlock Vision
The drone was landed manually after the incident. Photo: SUPPLIED / Sherlock Vision