Alness laser pen helicopter incident 'potentially catastrophic'
THE "potentially catastrophic" consequences of "reckless" conduct involving laser pens and aircraft has been flagged following a weekend incident over the Cromarty Firth.
Police in Ross-shire have this week flagged their concerns following the incident reported to have taken place on Saturday in the Alness area.
Police say that a laser pen was shone at a helicopter as it flew over the Cromarty Firth on Saturday night.
The green laser was pointed at the aircraft, a Bristow Search and Rescue helicopter, from the centre of Alness at approximately 9.30pm on Saturday, October 10.
In a statement, Police Scotland said: "Members of the public are reminded that such reckless conduct can have potentially catastrophic consequences for the crew of the helicopter."
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Earlier on Saturday, a microlight aircraft ditched in the Cromarty Firth.
A probe into the causes has been launched.
Both occupants of the aircraft were recovered from the Cromarty Firth following a joint operation involving RNLI Invergordon lifeboat and the coastguard helicopter.
