Donald Trump in major security scare as fighter jets intercept 'unauthorised aircraft'

US fighter jets were scrambled as violations of a restricted airspace were observed. The violations were recorded over Bedminster in New Jersey, where president Donald Trump was staying at his home over the weekend.

Each of the violations was by a civilian aircraft, with one requiring an intercept by North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) fighter jets. U.S. Air Force said in a statement Sunday: "Six general aviation aircraft violated Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey. In addition to two unauthorized incursions yesterday, including one requiring an intercept by North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) fighter aircraft, there were four violations today."

The violations are the latest in a string of similar incidents in recent months that have seen airliners violate temporary instructions put in place whilst the president is staying at his golf club.

Officials have warned that failure to adhere to the restrictions jeopardises national security and the safety of the Commander-in-Chief.

The incidents happened on Saturday and Sunday with one in particular requiring an intercept by NORAD fighter aircraft at 1.55 p.m. after the use of flares to draw the pilot's attention.

The statement acknowledged that the use of flares might have been visible from the ground but that the measure was taken with significant consideration taken for the safety of passengers and people on the ground.

There have been previous incidents already this year.

On July 6, 11 privately owned airplanes violated temporary airspace restrictions (TARs) over Trump's private golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

F-16s were deployed to intercept some of the airplanes and performed "headbutt" manoeuvres to get the pilots' attention where they fly close to the target aircraft and cut directly in front of its nose, according to the New York Post

Commander have urged civilian pilots to do their homework before take-off to ensure that they are aware of no fly zones on their expected route to risk similar incidents occurring in the future.

U.S. Air Force statement on X: "Attention, Aviators! There have been six TFR violations near Bedminster, NJ this weekend. Check NOTAMS before EVERY flight. Stay Safe, Fly Informed!"