Air crew in laser scare

A man has been arrested after the Staffordshire Police helicopter was targeted with a laser pen.

Police say the cabin was lit up with a green glow and the incident could have caused a crash.

The laser, if shone in the eyes, can cause disorientation with dangerous consequences.

Air One was carrying out a search in the Rising Brook area of Stafford on Monday, shortly before midnight, when the cabin was filled with a very bright green light.

After it was established as being some form of laser, the crew were able to identify the house where it was coming from and alert their colleagues on the ground.

Officers raced to the address, arrested a 38-year-old man and took him to Stafford police station for questioning. He was later released after being cautioned.

The pen was seized and will be destroyed.

Sgt David Howells, from the Air Unit, said: “Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident as there have been a number of cases where people have shone high-powered lights at Air One. This isn’t only irresponsible and dangerous, it’s also an offence to act in a reckless or negligent manner likely to endanger an aircraft. 

“Not only will offenders be arrested, they may be charged, appear before a court and receive a prison sentence.

“Air One performs a vital role across Staffordshire and West Mercia,” said Sgt Howells.

The laser pens have also been known to be used at football matches where they can disorientate a player at a vital moment in the game.

Laser pens hit the headlines five years ago when pranksters tried to sabotage American illusionist David Blaine’s record breaking bid suspended in a glass cage by dazzling him with the beams.

Earlier, an officer with the Royal Parks Constabulary in London claimed to have suffered swelling on the brain and impaired vision after a pen was shone into his eyes for several seconds.