Appeal after green laser aimed at landing aircraft

Police are appealing for information after a green laser light was aimed at a plane as it was approaching an airport.

The light entered the cockpit of the aircraft, which was on its final approach to land at Glasgow Airport, at around 8:15pm onTuesday.

An investigation found that the light came from Strathblane, in Stirlingshire, Central Scotland Police said.

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A spokeswoman said that there was no injury or damage caused and the flight was not disrupted.

However, a Civil Aviation Authority spokesman warned that shining a light into the cockpit could lead to a crew losing control of the plane.

He said: “Shining a laser at an aircraft in flight is a serious risk to the safety of passengers and crew, as well as people living close to airports.

“During critical phases of flight, such as take-off and landing, pilots need to employ maximum concentration.

“Being dazzled and temporarily blinded by an intense light could potentially lead to flight crew losing control of the aircraft.

“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is now a specific criminal offence and the police are becoming very good at catching the perpetrators. We strongly urge anyone who observes a laser being used at night in the vicinity of an airport to contact the police immediately.”

A police spokeswoman said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this laser light or who knows of somebody who uses laser lights at night.”

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