A laser was shone at Wiltshire’s air ambulance as it returned to its Semington base this evening. 

A spokesman for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity criticised those behind the laser attack, which happened over Corsham tonight, as “hugely irresponsible”. The helicopter had been returning  from a call-out near Chippenham. 

It is the second time this year a laser has been pointed at the life-saving helicopter. In February, pilots had to abort attempts to land for a medical emergency in Chippenham after a laser was aimed at the air ambulance.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance comment in full

A Wiltshire Air Ambulance spokesperson said: “On the evening of 11 July 2020, when returning from a mission, our Bell 429 helicopter was subjected to a laser attack over Corsham. 

“Our aircrew are safe and reported the incident to Wiltshire Police on their return to our airbase in Semington. 

“Shining a laser at an aircraft is a criminal offence. It is also hugely irresponsible, putting the lives of our crew and, potentially, patients at risk.”