Life-Saving Air Ambulance Targeted by Laser in Shocking Attack
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has launched a desperate plea after one of their helicopter crews was blasted with a laser while on a critical mission. The shocking incident took place in December as the chopper raced to save a life near Attleborough, Norfolk.
Pilot Blinded Mid-Flight – Mission Nearly Abandoned
The pilot was hit by a dangerous laser beam, risking vision impairment at a vital moment. EAAA warns that reckless laser attacks could force crews to abandon urgent missions in future, putting lives on the line.
On December 27, 2023, at 2:30 AM, crew members caught the laser assault on camera while attending a medical emergency just outside Norwich. The charity has now released the footage to help track down the culprit.
Criminal Offence Ignited by Dangerous Prank
EAAA, which serves Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire, reminds the public this is a serious crime. Shining lasers at aircraft risks pilot safety and flight operations.
Captain Seb Powderham from Babcock International Group, EAAA’s aviation partner, said: “Lasers directed at aircraft can significantly impact flight operations. Most importantly, if a laser were to incapacitate the pilot’s ability to operate due to impaired vision, flight safety would be compromised. Short-term effects include temporary flash blindness and potential distraction at a critical stage of flight. Long-term effects could include permanent damage to the eye.”
Pilots may have to take evasive action, change cockpit lighting, or abandon lifesaving missions if targeted by lasers. Such interference causes dangerous delays in urgent care delivery.
Police Plea as Laser Attacks Escalate in Attleborough
Norfolk Police have logged seven laser incidents in the Attleborough area since 2021. PC Dion Phillips urged local residents to help catch the offender. “We think the person responsible is probably in the town centre at the time,” he said. So far, investigations have drawn a blank.
The EAAA and police are united in their resolve to stop laser attacks from threatening emergency service crews. Anyone with information is urged to come forward immediately and help bring these dangerous offenders to justice.
