Laser attacks on aircraft more than double within a decade

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police helicopter pilots are to be equipped with protective eyewear amid concern at a steep rise in laser attacks on aircraft. A government spokesperson said: “The Government is aware of the issue and is meeting stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Authority, to determine what more can be done to protect the public from the potential dangers of certain laser products.” Last Sunday, a Virgin Atlantic passenger jet bound for New York was forced to return to Heathrow airport when the co-pilot fell ill after a laser was shone at the cockpit shortly after take-off. And on Friday, sentencing Philip Houghton, 25, from Hull, to five months in jail for shining a laser at a police helicopter, District Judge Frederick Rutherford warned: “It is only a matter of time before a tragedy is caused by this type of behaviour.” About 1,800 incidents were reported to the CAA last year, according to the Police Federation of England and Wales. At the moment, the only legislation for most offences is aviation legislation which isn’t necessarily within the normal understanding of bobbies on the beat.” open image in gallery Attacks on planes with lasers are "not isolated incidents" say pilots There have been more than 10,000 incidents targeting civilian aircraft in the UK in the past seven years.