A youth was arrested yestderday on suspicion of endangering an aircraft by shining a laser at the pilot of a police helicopter in Northern Ireland.
The 17-year-old male was arrested last night in the Whiterock Road area of west Belfast as the helicopter carried out a routine flight.
This morning he was released on bail pending further inquiries and is required to return to a nominated police station on a date in November.
A PSNI spokeswoman said any attempt to blind a pilot using a laser light could have caused a catastrophe.
“Not only is it an offence under the Air Navigation Order to endanger aircraft but it is highly irresponsible and dangerous,” said police.
“Lasers can cause temporary blindness which, where pilots are concerned, can spell catastrophe.”
PA