Police appeal after laser shone at Air Ambulance over Cardiff

An Airbus Helicopter in use with Wales Air Ambulance (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
An Airbus Helicopter in use with Wales Air Ambulance (Image: Aviation Media Co.)

Police are appealing for information after a laser pen was directed at an Air Ambulance flying over the Roath area of Cardiff.

The attack resulted in one of the vital on-board critical care practitioners suffering blurred vision and a migraine, resulting in them having to go off-duty.

The incident happened on Sunday 28th February around 9:30pm as the aircraft was flying over Heath, Roath Park and Roath Recreation ground.

Laser attacks on aircraft can cause temporary and permanent eye damage and potentially a catastrophic accident, particularly on single pilot flights like Air Ambulances where the pilot can be blinded.

A previous incident where a laser was shone at a helicopter in South Wales.

As a result, sentences were recently increased and a specific offence created. This can now mean up to 5-years in prison if you are convicted.

In January this year, a Swansea man was jailed for shining a laser at the a National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter.

Anyone with information on this latest attack is encouraged to contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting ref 071640.

About Nick Harding 2018 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.