An air ambulance pilot has issued a warning after a laser pen was shone into his helicopter cabin.
JJ Smith from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) was flying over Washington on Monday when a laser beam targeted his aircraft.
The beam dazzled Mr Smith, two doctors, and a paramedic on board.
Mr Smith said: "Lasers directed at aircraft can be incredibly dangerous because they can cause temporary sight loss which can lead to the pilot losing control of the aircraft and putting themselves and the rest of the team at risk."
GNAAS has faced similar incidents, including one during a patient transport.
The Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018 imposes severe penalties for such actions, including up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Mr Smith added: "We would ask people that if they see someone using a laser pen recklessly or have any video evidence of it to call the police and report it."
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