Someone tried to recklessly blind the pilot of Royal Navy helicopter as they flew over the Stevenston area several weeks ago.

A laser was shone directly at the aircraft, temporarily distracting the flight crew whilst carrying out a vital training exercise over the sea.

The incident occurred around 11 pm on Monday October 4 when the Royal Navy Merlin -carrying four members of the crew - was hovering at a low altitude.

The laser point was coming from the direction of Stevenston point.

Police Scotland are appealing for witnesses after the chief pilot reported the incident. 

Speaking about the incident, PC Mackie of the Three Towns Locality Policing Team said:

“Use of a laser pen in this manner is extremely reckless and this incident could have been catastrophic for the aircraft and crew of 4 onboard. We would like to remind people that matters such as this are taken very seriously by both Police Scotland and Scottish Courts Service.”

“The pilot noted the laser beam to be coming from the Stevenston Point area, I would urge anyone who may have any information regarding this incident to contact myself via 101, at Saltcoats Police Office, and quoting incident # 3910 of the 4th October, thank you.”