Laser pens 'putting pilots at risk' say Hampshire police

Hampshire Police say a growing number of laser pen incidents at Southampton airport are putting planes at risk.

Between Christmas and the New Year, four incidents were reported in which a high powered laser light was shone into the flightpath of incoming or outgoing aircraft.

Police say the lights appeared to originate from different locations, but in each case, officers were dispatched to search for the source. No one has yet been identified.

The flights all landed safely but police say the increase in incidents is worrying and potentially very dangerous.

In the past, pilots have spoken about how debilitating it can be to have such a bright light shone into the cockpit

The pens are not illegal and readily available on-line, but police want to highlight the dangers