Probe after laser pen shone at helicopter pilot

AN investigation has been launched after a laser pen was shone at the pilot of a search and rescue helicopter flying over Inverness.

A green laser pen was shone at the helicopter pilot. Picture: TSPL

Police have warned the reckless act could had had “catastrophic consequences”.

The green laser was pointed at the Bristow search and rescue helicopter from the Old Town area of Hilton in the city after it was returning from a call out.

The incident happened at about 8.25pm on 2 April.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Use of a laser pen in this manner is extremely reckless and such use could have catastrophic consequences for the person distracted, who in this case, was the pilot of an aircraft.
“We would urge people in possession of these type of devices not to misuse them in this manner and remind people that matters such as this are taken very seriously by both the Police and the Courts.”

He added: “Police Scotland are looking to remind the public about the dangers of shining laser pointers at aircraft.”