Two held over Luton helicopter 'laser attack'

Two people were arrested following a "laser attack" on a helicopter, police said today.

A laser device was pointed at the aircraft, a police helicopter, when it was responding to an incident in Luton on Saturday night.

The aircraft later returned to the area and was subject to a further attack, Bedfordshire Police said.

A man and woman in their 20s were arrested the same evening on suspicion of shining a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract it.

The pair were tracked down after the helicopter guided police officers on the ground.

They were taken to Luton Police Station and released on police bail until April 12.

Pc Tim Aldous-Ball said: "This was a very serious incident and can cause an air incident as laser devices can cause pilots to become distracted or disorientated.

"This was not only extremely dangerous for the helicopter crew but also for the public and commercial airlines who use Luton Airport.

"We take this crime very seriously as lasers are not toys and pose a serious risk to all flight safety."