LIVES are being put at risk by thoughtless pranksters who are aiming laser pointers at Hampshire’s air ambulance during night flights.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) is warning the public these attacks pose a threat to the safety of pilots and patients alike.

Since the introduction of night-time operations in January, lifesaving flights have become more susceptible to attacks from people using laser pointers. 

HIOWAA say laser attacks can cause temporary loss of vision and may even result in permanent eye injuries. 

Air Ambulance pilot, Captain Dave Nicholls, who has been a victim of laser attacks while flying, said: “It might seem harmless enough, but a laser shone at a helicopter in the final stages of an approach could easily be enough to cause the pilot to abort a landing.”

Legislation was introduced in 2010 to prosecute offenders for shining a light at an aircraft in flight.

It has been reported that between 2009 and 2015 more than 8,998 laser incidents across the country were reported to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Now, pressure is being placed on the government to classify lasers as offensive weapons to empower police to arrest individuals in possession of a laser without good reason.

CEO of the charity, Alex Lochrane, asked the public to think again before shining a laser at one of their helicopters.

“Aiming a laser at an aircraft can be dangerous for those on-board, but it could also mean our lifesaving service is disrupted,” said Mr Lochrane.

“Any distractions during a landing, for example, could mean a life-saving mission is delayed or aborted.

It could also distract an on-board medic carrying out critical work on an injured patient.

“We welcome any new legislation that will protect the safety of our pilots and crew, and ultimately the service that we are able to provide to the community that we serve.

“Whilst I hope this is never necessary, everyone involved in our life-saving service would work as closely as possible with the police to apprehend anyone who ever targets our aircraft with a laser.”

HIOWAA, whose helicopter is based at Thruxton, receives no government funding, operates seven days a week and flies, on average, two to three missions a day, many of them to attend people with life-threatening injuries.