POLICE plans to ban flights from a Hampshire airfield could lead to the force inadvertently grounding its own aircraft.

This latest twist in the controversy over the former HMS Daedalus airfield at Lee-on-the-Solent comes as aviation enthusiasts won a temporary reprieve to stay on the site.

The Lee Flying Association, which has been leading the campaign against the ban, was given a stay of execution for one month after it was announced that the gates will now close to general aviation on December 14.

Police spotter planes and coastguard helicopters will continue to use the airfield, which is also home to the Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club.

But the Daily Echo understands that these services also come under general aviation and would therefore be banned.

The general aviation definition includes private flying, flight training, air ambulance, police aircraft and aerial firefighting.

Last night a Hampshire police spokesman said: "We do not come under general aviation. We are emergency aviation and we are not banning ourselves."

But a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority said: "There could be exceptions but my understanding is that the police fall under the category of general aviation."

Hampshire police has received several representations urging that the general flying facility at Daedalus be maintained.

In a statement Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan said: "The facts behind the withdrawal of the general aviation activity are simple.

"Hampshire Constabulary has been advised that the level of general aviation activity is incompatible with the infrastructure currently in place.

"Daedalus' primary purpose is to provide a base for blue-light air assets, namely the MCA's search and rescue helicopter and Hampshire Constabulary's fixed wing aircraft."