Police say a Royal Navy helicopter could've faced catastrophic consequences after a reckless yob shined a laser pen at a crew flying over Ayrshire skies.
Cops have launched an investigation after the Merlin chopper was targeted while on a training flight over the sea near Stevenston at around 11.15pm on Monday, October 4.
The aircraft's chief pilot said that while flying at a low altitude a laser was directed at the helicopter, temporarily distracting the flight crew from carrying out their duties.
Officers are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
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 October 4, thank you.”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
