Cops have launched a probe after a Navy pilot was targeted in a reckless incident involving a laser pen on Monday.
A Royal Navy Merlin helicopter was flying over Stevenston, North Ayrshire, around 11.15pm on Monday October 4 when a laser was directly pointed at the aircraft.
Staff on the training flight hovering in low attitude over the sea were temporarily distracted from their duties due to the incident.
Police have warned the incident could have been "catastrophic" as they launched an urgent appeal to find the culprit.
Speaking about the incident, PC Mackie of the Three Towns Locality Policing Team said: “Use of a laser pen in this manner is extremely reckless and this incident could have been catastrophic for the aircraft and crew of 4 on board.
"We would like to remind people that matters such as this are taken very seriously by both Police Scotland and Scottish Courts Service.
“The pilot noted the laser beam to be coming from the Stevenston Point area, I would urge anyone who may have any information regarding this incident to contact myself via 101, at Saltcoats Police Office, and quoting incident # 3910 of the 4th October, thank you"
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