POLICE in Wirral are becoming increasingly alarmed about the unlawful use of laser light key rings, after one was shone at the police helicopter, over Storeton Woods, while chasing a stolen car.

The culprit was caught by the copter's human heat seeking equipment but police are concerned that the beam of light could have distracted the pilot. The laser light shiner could face prosecution as part of a police clamp down.

This follows an even more serious laser light attack on a 54-year-old man in Rake Lane, Wallasey. Youths shone the laser beam into his eyes, causing blindness and bleeding behind the eyeballs. The victim needed hospital treatment and was unable to drive for a few days.

Detective Inspector John Colligan of Wallasey and Hoylake CID says this is obviously an assault and police will act accordingly. The officer is of the opinion that the lights, if carried in a public place in unreasonable circumstances, can be classed as being an offensive weapon under the Prevention of Crime Act, 1953.

Police will now be searching people if they suspect the lasers are being used wrongly. While not illegal at the moment, the key ring lights are being sold in shops and by pub traders at anything between £13 and £20. They used to be more expensive and used by academics as a visual aid in lectures. Detective Insp. Colligan warns owners not to shine lasers at people, and for parents to be alert to their children having one.

by Robin Bird

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