Thugs shone the potentially blinding light into the police chopper during a late-night routine patrol of the city.

It is understood the helicopter was returning to its base about 10.50pm on Monday when the crew became aware of the laser beam shining into the aircraft.

The pilot and crew were over the Maryhill area when they were targeted and tried to pinpoint where the beam was coming from.

Police are now hunting the culprits who put lives at risk.

They said the light was shone into the plane from the Wyndford area of Maryhill.

Although there was no damage, detectives have launched an investigation and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Shining a laser at pilots can temporarily blind them and affect them for several minutes afterwards, potentially causing them to lose control of the aircraft.

Lasers have become increasingly powerful and cheap, with a ballpoint pen-size model capable of emitting beams that can reach 37,000 feet.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "We received a report of laser type pen being shone at the police helicopter at around 10.50pm on Monday night.

"It is believed to have come from the Maryhill area of Glasgow.

"The pilot reported the incident to officers in Maryhill and our enquiries are ongoing."

The Evening Times has previously revealed how thousands of lives have been put at risk by thugs shining laser pens into the eyes of pilots as they at Glasgow.

In 2010, there were 107 reported incidents at Glasgow Airport – the fourth highest incidence in the UK after Manchester, Birmingham and Heathrow.

Five years ago there were just 20 reports throughout the whole of the UK.

In Glasgow, many of the laser attacks are thought to have come from multi-storey flats in Knightswood and Drumchapel.

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact Maryhill Police Station on 0141 532 3700.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk

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