Two men arrested after laser pointed at police helicopter in Belfast

Two men have been arrested after a laser beam was pointed at a police helicopter in north Belfast on Friday night.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the incident happened in the Dunmore area of the city at around 11.30pm.

The two men were arrested on “suspicion of endangering the safety of an aircraft”.

“One male has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) and the other remains in police custody,” the PSNI said.

“Thankfully, on this occasion, no one was injured as a result of this extremely dangerous and reckless behaviour.

“Not only is it an offence under the Air Navigation Order to endanger aircraft but it is highly irresponsible and dangerous.

“Lasers can cause temporary blindness and where pilots are concerned, this could result in a catastrophe and possibly lead to loss of life.

“Be mindful of the impact of such actions, and be prepared to face the consequences.”

PSNI says thankfully no one injured as a result of ‘extremely dangerous’ behaviour