Two men in Stoke-on-Trent have been arrested on suspicion of endangering an aircraft after a police helicopter was targeted using a laser. In a statement, Staffordshire police said: “Two young men in their early 20s have been arrested by police on suspicion of endangering an aircraft this evening. In serious cases, using a laser pointer in this way can carry a prison sentence.”Last year there were 1,800 “laser incidents” on aircraft in the UK reported to the Civil Aviation Authority. It was among a string of incidents targeting planes taking off and landing at UK airports, with Heathrow the worst target for the laser pen incidents. The National Police Air Service is conducting a laser eyewear protection trial that may allow it to protect its staff against the threat of laser strikes.

Source: The Guardian October 16, 2016 22:18 UTC