Thugs shone the potentially blinding light into the chartered flight as it was returning to the airport last week.

It is understood the flight was targeted at about 8.30pm on Tuesday, February 5, when crew became aware of the laser beam shining into the aircraft as it was flying over the Ardrossan and Saltcoats area.

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

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "We received a report of laser-type pen being shone at the airplane at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, February 5.

"It is believed to have come from the Ardrossan or Saltcoats area.

"The pilot reported the incident to officers and our inquiries are ongoing."

Incidents of laser beams being directed into cockpits as planes come in to land have soared to record levels, hugely increasing the risk of a crash.

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

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

Six 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 Strathclyde Police on 0141 532 2000.

rebecca.gray@ heraldandtimes.co.uk