The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was targeted with a laser while conducting operations in London last night, according to an official statement on social media.
NPAS London reported that their helicopter was persistently targeted with a laser beam during a task. The incident, which occurred late in the evening, posed a significant risk to the safety of the crew and those on the ground.
The police air service stressed the dangers of such actions, noting that laser attacks can temporarily blind or distract pilots, potentially leading to serious consequences.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), NPAS London stated:
“Last night we were persistently lasered while on task. It’s extremely dangerous but we can pinpoint your exact location in a matter of seconds ⚖️”
Legal Consequences
Targeting an aircraft with a laser is a criminal offence in the UK, with offenders facing severe penalties. The police can track the origin of a laser beam within seconds, leading to swift identification and potential arrest of those responsible.
Police have urged the public to refrain from such dangerous activities, reminding them of the legal and safety implications. Anyone with information about similar incidents is encouraged to contact local authorities or call Crimestoppers anonymously.
