Cops hunt for laser yobs as pilots avert catastrophe

Pilots had to take action avoid ‘catastrophic consequences’ after reckless yobs shined laser pens at planes coming to land at Glasgow Airport.

A hunt has been launched after a powerful light beam was aimed at five inbound flights at the Paisley transport hub.

Officers say a mindless lout shone the laser at aircraft from the Knightswood Park area of Glasgow on both Monday and Tuesday night between 10pm and 11.30pm.

Sergeant Nigel McDonald, Drumchapel police office, said: “To shine a light at an aircraft is incredibly dangerous and whoever is responsible has shown a total disregard for safety.

“The consequences of this type of action could be catastrophic.

“We know the light came from the area of Knightswood Park and, therefore, we would appeal for anyone who may have seen anyone with a laser light in that area at the time to get in touch with us.

“We urge anyone with any information regarding this incident to come forward.”

“Anyone with any information should contact police via 101, quoting incident number 4704 of Monday 5 August 2019.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be given in confidence.”

A Glasgow Airport spokesman blasted the criminals behind the incident and urged people to come forward with information.

He said: “Incidents such as these are not only extremely dangerous and incredibly reckless, they are also criminal acts.

“We would urge anyone who witnesses a laser being shone at an aircraft to contact Police Scotland immediately.”

Britain’s largest pilots union, BALPA, said it was concerned about the high number of laser attacks in recent years.

“We believe high-powered lasers need to be treated as potential weapons,” it said.

Anyone convicted of shining a laser at a plane can be jailed for up to five years after the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act was strengthened by the UK Government last year.