Helicopter pilot distracted by laser as it flew near Shrewsbury
A laser was shone at a helicopter as it flew over Shrewsbury, distracting its pilot.
It happened around 8.15pm on December 7 as the helicopter flew near to the village of Astley just off the A53 between Battlefield and Shawbury.
It is believed the light came from a laser pen, rather than a more powerful torch.
No damage was caused to the helicopter and despite the distraction, the pilot was able to land safely.
Police are now reminding the public that shining a laser pen at an aircraft is not only a criminal offence but can be dangerously distracting to the pilot, with potentially serious consequences.
Inquiries are ongoing but officers would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident.
Squadron Leader Gary James, the Flight Safety Officer at RAF Shawbury said: "I can confirm that a Squirrel helicopter from RAF Shawbury was illuminated whilst on a night training flight on December 7.
"The deliberate act of endangering an aircraft using a high power torch or a laser pen is illegal under the Air Navigation Order. If a pilot is blinded or distracted by such illumination it could put the aircraft into a extremely dangerous position.
"There is also a very significant risk of causing permanent blindness to the pilot and other members of the crew as they will be wearing night vision goggles which would amplify the already powerful light."
Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 700S of December 7.
