Charges over airport laser pen ‘attacks’

Published on 01/02/2013 12:00

A TEENAGE boy has been charged after lasers were shone at planes over Edinburgh
Airport.

Police launched an inquiry after three pilots reported being targeted last year. Investigations found that the laser was coming from the Dalgety Bay and Rosyth areas of Fife.

A 13-year-old boy has now been charged under the Air Navigation Act in connection with all three incidents.

Sergeant Iain Geddes said: “I must emphasise that this is an incredibly dangerous activity and puts at considerable risk the staff and passengers of aircraft and, subsequently, the wider community should an aircraft get into difficulty.

“I would ask that those involved in this practice seriously consider their actions and for those buying and/or selling laser pens to be mindful of the uses to which they can be put.”

A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “We welcome the police’s determination in this matter, which underlines the seriousness of the offence. These types of offences are extremely foolhardy and could have fatal consequences.

“We hope that this action will send a message that dangerous behaviour cannot be tolerated.”