Two Teenagers Arrested After Green Laser Targets Liverpool Helicopter, Flights

Two teenagers, aged 16 and 13, were arrested in West Derby, Liverpool, after reportedly shining a green laser beam at a National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter and flights arriving at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The NPAS helicopter, while responding to an incident, was targeted by the laser and later identified an address on Haydn Road as the source. Authorities have emphasized the extreme danger and recklessness of such actions, noting that distracting pilots can endanger not only those in the aircraft but also people on the ground. NPAS officials stressed the seriousness of the offense and confirmed their capability to trace laser strikes, committing to robust cooperation with local police to prevent harm. Airport Inspector Danny Fortune and Captain Paul Watts of NPAS both urged the public to report any information and warned against the possession and use of laser pens near aircraft. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to safeguard aviation safety and prevent potentially catastrophic consequences from laser misuse.