A reckless laser attacker endangered the lives of a police helicopter crew and the public below in a shocking incident captured on night vision footage.
The video, released by the National Police Air Service (NPAS), shows a powerful green laser beam deliberately striking the aircraft multiple times, temporarily blinding the pilots during a critical operation.
Moment of Peril Captured on Camera
As the NPAS helicopter performed routine surveillance duties, a bright green laser suddenly pierces the cockpit, creating dangerous glare and flash blindness for the highly trained crew. The beam sweeps across the aircraft's windshield in deliberate, sustained attacks that could have caused permanent eye damage.
"The effects were absolutely blinding - it's like someone switching a light on in a dark room," explained an NPAS spokesperson. "This isn't a harmless prank; it's a potentially catastrophic act that could bring down a aircraft."
Severe Consequences and Legal Ramifications
Targeting any aircraft with lasers carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment under the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018. The offence is taken extremely seriously by aviation authorities and police forces nationwide.
NPAS has issued a stern warning to potential offenders, emphasizing that laser attacks constitute assault on aircraft and endanger countless lives both in the air and on the ground.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Police are actively investigating the incident and urge anyone with information to come forward. The individual responsible faces serious criminal charges that reflect the gravity of endangering aircraft safety.
Aviation experts stress that even brief laser exposure can cause temporary flash blindness, after-images, and in severe cases, permanent retinal damage, making such attacks particularly dangerous during critical flight phases.
