Five planes from Belfast International Airport have been targeted by laser pens in just eight days.
The airport has hit out following the latest spate of attacks on aircrafts carrying hundreds of passengers calling it '"irresponsible and a potential threat to life".
Five recent incidents have been recorded by the airport in the Glengormley , Cloughfern, Newtownabbey , Jordanstown and North Shore ares.
Laser pens can cause temporary blindness if they are directed at crews in aircraft cockpits.
Belfast International Airport Operations Director, Alan Whiteside, has appealed to the public to report incidents to the PSNI and assist in bringing the culprits to justice.
Mr Whiteside said: “These actions are irresponsible and potentially life threatening. Aircraft crew are responsible for the lives of every passenger on board and any disruption to cockpit operations is simply unacceptable.
“Those who point laser pens at aircraft need to be apprehended and processed through the courts. Their actions are irresponsible and a potential threat to life.
“The full weight of the law needs to be brought to bear to get this reckless behaviour stamped out. The people who are guilty of these actions have to be made aware that they are committing a serious offense. I would ask members of the public to report any and all suspicious activity without delay.
“Five recent incidents in the Glengormley, Cloughfern, Newtownabbey, Jordanstown and North Shore areas are five too many. Airlines share our concern and want to see an end to this activity which is not some innocent game but a determined effort to cause injury and disruption.”
Police have also slammed the actions of those behind the attacks saying they are "extremely dangerous and reckless".
Inspector McCarron said: “This week, we have received four reports of individuals shining laser pens directly at pilots.
“Thankfully no one was injured or vision impaired.
“Not only is it an offence under the Air Navigation Order to endanger aircraft but it is highly irresponsible and dangerous.
"Lasers can cause temporary blindness and where pilots are concerned, this could result in a catastrophe and possibly lead to significant loss of life.
"Those involved in this type of activity need to be mindful of the impact which their behaviour could have. Those involved could face charges of being in possession of a dangerous weapon.
"If you use lasers in this way, you must be prepared to face the consequences."
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
