THE crew of the Herts and Beds police helicopter based at RAF Henlow came under a laser attack at the weekend, it was revealed today. The incident happened on Saturday night when the helicopter was scrambled to an incident in the Marsh Farm area of Luton.
THE crew of the Herts and Beds police helicopter based at RAF Henlow came under a laser attack at the weekend, it was revealed today.
The incident happened on Saturday night when the helicopter was scrambled to an incident in the Marsh Farm area of Luton.
A laser device was pointed at the aircraft. The aircraft later returned and was subject to a further attack.
Two people, a man and a woman in their 20s, were later arrested for shining a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract under Section 222 of the Air Navigation Act 2009.
Talking today a member of the Henlow crew and Hertfordshire officer Pc Tim Aldous-Ball said: "This was a very serious incident and can cause an air incident, as laser devices can cause pilots to become distracted or disorientated.
"This was not only extremely dangerous for our helicopter crew but also for the public and commercial airlines who use Luton Airport. We take this crime very seriously as lasers are not toys and pose a serious risk to all flight safety."
Pc Aldous-Ball added: "This was an excellent piece of teamwork between our helicopter unit and officers on the ground, leading to the immediate arrest of the two suspects.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here