A DRONE followed a woman as she walked alone in a rural Leicestershire village - sparking fears a tech-savvy stalker is terrorising locals.

The flying camera tracked the woman "for some time" in what police described as an "upsetting and unnerving" incident on Saturday.

It is just the latest in a series of reports of residents in Cadeby, Leics, being spied on by the device.

Dog walkers have been targeted and homeowners also told of seeing a drone being steered close to property.

It comes amid calls for tougher legislation on the use of the drones in the UK after Gatwick Airport ground to a halt last week.

As many as 140,000 passengers had Christmas travel plans ruined when over 1,000 flights were cancelled due to reported drone sightings near the runway.

Cops in Market Bosworth, Leics, are appealing for information surrounding the reported sightings of a black drone in nearby Cadeby.

In a statement on the Market Bosworth Police Facebook page today, the officers wrote: "A bit of a hot topic at the moment.

"Not to the extent of the issues at Gatwick Airport, but we have had a couple of complaints from the village of Cadeby regarding a black coloured drone that is being flown at close proximity to houses and also following people around whilst walking their dog.

"On one occasion it followed a lone female for some time which was very unnerving and upsetting for her.

"If anyone knows anything about this or the person who maybe involved please let us know."

The statement sparked a series of responses from members of the public - with many calling for the technology to be restricted.

"I think the licensing of these are a good idea, at least they could be traced in instances such as those mentioned above and the Gatwick incident in the week.

"Clearer instruction on where prohibited use and areas may be useful too."

Another Facebook user called for an outright ban.

He wrote: "Drones are completely and utterly intrusive.

"They have no right whatsoever flying over domestic property, they are a complete infringement on privacy and could be considered to be a form of stalking.

"It's time they were banned completely."