9:57am Saturday 28th August 2010
By Naomi Loomes
Pilots have been dazzled by lasers while flying over Sussex.
Crews from two flights have recently reported that red beams have been fired into cockpits as they came in to land at Gatwick Airport.
On Tuesday a Sussex Police helicopter was scrambled to trace the source of a laser directed at descending aircraft but no one was found.ASussex Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating two reports of laser lights being pointed at aircraft flying near Gatwick.
“The reports of lights being shone from the East Grinstead area were received from two aircraft coming in to land at 9.40pm and 10.25pm on Tuesday, August 24.
“Officers searched the East Grinstead area but were unable to find the source of the lights. Both aircraft landed safely and there was no danger to the passengers or crew resulting from the incident.”
Lasers emit an incredibly strong amount of energy and can cause temporary or even permanent blindness.
In October last year, an EasyJet flight carrying 140 people was targeted by a laser.
In January this year a new law making shining lasers at aeroplanes a specific offence was introduced. Previously the law was known as “recklessly endangering an aircraft”.
Anyone who has information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting serial 1781 of 24/8.
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