Police have confirmed that a laser was aimed at a police helicopter as it flew over Exeter, the BBC has reported.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) tweeted: “Our aircraft has just come under sustained laser strike.”

According to the NPAS, the attack occurred at 20:56 BST on Sunday, southwest of Exeter Airport, and was described as “stupid and dangerous.”

“If the laser hits our pilot in the eyes, they can become temporarily blinded and there is no one else to fly the aircraft,” the NPAS tweeted.

“In the worst case scenario, this may result in the aircraft crashing over a populated area,” the NPAS tweeted. “We have said it before and we will keep saying it, do not do this. It’s stupid and dangerous.”

The NPAS stated in a tweet that the attack lasted for approximately ten minutes before a suspect was “apprehended.”

The attack was confirmed to have occurred by the NPAS when the helicopter was flying approximately three nautical miles (5.5km) southwest of Exeter Airport.

Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “A unit attended and identified the person we believed was responsible.

“Officers will continue to investigate this matter slow-time and enquiries continue,” as reported by the BBC.

Written by staff