Police and RAF issue laser pointer warning

RAF Leeming and North Yorkshire Police have joined forces to ask for the public's understanding about flights in and out of the RAF base.

The call follows a small number of threats to dazzle pilots with high powered torches or laser pointers.

Due to the nature of the threats, made by telephone to personnel on the RAF base, it is strongly believed that the threats have come from people living in the surrounding area.

Whilst the station is much quieter since the last Tornado F3 fighters left in 2008, it still operates Hawk and Tutor aircraft carrying out roles which provide essential support to UK and worldwide air operations.

RAF Leeming also hosts a wide variety of other exercises throughout the year. Its proximity to military training areas in the north make RAF Leeming a destination of choice for aircrews conducting essential pre-deployment training for duties in Afghanistan and other operational theatres.

Squadron Leader Paul Richley, RAF Leeming's Station Flight Safety Officer said: "Such threats to the aircraft operating at RAF Leeming is extremely worrying. The flying activity from the station is essential to UK security. Wherever possible we do our utmost to reduce the impact of flying activity on the local community. Our Community Engagement Team provides notification of increased flying activity via the press, individual letters and through Hambleton and Richmondshire District Councils."

He added: "Since 2008, flying complaints to the unit have halved year on year."

Article 222 of the Air Navigation Order 2009 states that it is a criminal offence to use a light in such a way that will dazzle or distract a pilot of an aircraft.

Squadron Leader Richley said: 'A pilots workload when making an approach to land requires a lot of concentration, especially at night, anything that would cause the pilot to lose concentration puts the pilot and the aircraft at a totally unnecessary risk. Also, the risk of damage to the eyesight of a pilot from these actions is very high. If residents around the base have a concern, we welcome the opportunity to talk through their issues, rather than resort to actions that could cause an aircraft accident and also result in criminal charges being pressed by the North Yorkshire Police.'

Police Sergeant Jerry Perrin, of Bedale Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "We are working closely with our colleagues in the military to identify those responsible for these threats, and will deal robustly with anyone we suspect of being guilty.

"Should anyone actually shine a torch or laser pointer at an aeroplane and cause it to crash the aftermath is unthinkable."

2.18pm - 21 August 2012