Lasers shone at five aircrafts at Southampton Airport

Pilots arriving and departing from the airport in Eastleigh were targeted with lasers in July and August.

Officers have received several reports from National Air Traffic Services (NATS) in relation to the incidents.

A pilot reported that a laser had been shone in their direction as they were preparing for departure from a house or housing estate on July 29 around 9.35am.

Two weeks later on August 11, a green laser was shone at an aircraft as it was climbing to 500 feet upon departing the airport after 9pm.

On August 20, just before 10pm, a laser was shone directly at an aircraft at around 2,000 feet in the air.

The following day at around 9.40pm, a laser was shone at an aircraft just after taking off.

And on August 25, a laser was shone directly at an aircraft as it was landing from the Lepe/Calshot area at approximately 9.15pm.

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Eastleigh and Hedge End Inspector, Andy Mooge, said: “This activity is highly dangerous and irresponsible during any phase of flight, however during critical times such as landings at night, it is especially dangerous.

“We are committed to investigating all reports of this type and work alongside Southampton Airport, the airlines, National Air Traffic Service, and our colleagues from the National Police Air Service, to take appropriate action to tackle this type of offending.

“A large number of laser incidents involve young people whose parents are not aware their child owns a laser or believe it is a suitable toy.

“It is not illegal to possess a laser pen but we are keen to stress to both adults and children that these items are dangerous, especially when shone directly at an aircraft.

“Lasers are not toys - they could lead to serious visual impairment for life if used in an inappropriate way.”

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Southampton Airport has described the incidents as 'reckless'. 

A spokesperson said: "Pointing a laser at an aircraft is illegal and incredibly reckless, particularly during the critical landing or take off stages of a flight.

"We would urge any member of the public who witnesses such an irresponsible and dangerous act to contact Hampshire Constabulary immediately."

Hampshire Constabulary may seek a prosecution, where laser pens have been used to dazzle the pilot of an aircraft, under three pieces of legislation.

These are:

• Endangering the Safety of an Aircraft contrary to Article 240 of the Air Navigation Order 2009 (A person shall not recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft).

• Article 225 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 created the offence of direct or shine any light at any aircraft in flight in such a way that it will dazzle or distract a pilot.

• The Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018.

It is a crime to shine or direct a laser beam that dazzles or distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract, air traffic controllers, pilots, captains of boats and drivers of road vehicles.

Offenders face much tougher penalties of up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.