A manhunt is underway for the operator of a laser which was shone at Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
It happened at around 7.30pm tonight whilst the aircraft was flying over Chippenham.
The helicopter was unavailable to attend calls for a short time while the crew on board completed an eye test. They were deemed fit to continue their shift and the helicopter remained available for use.
No patient was on board at the time.
A spokesperson from Wiltshire Air Ambulance said: “This evening the crew of [Helimed 22] were subjected to a laser attack from an area in Chippenham resulting in an aborted landing.
“Fortunately this was a training flight as the consequences to a patient that we are unable to reach could be extremely serious.
“In addition to the danger it poses to the crew, shining a laser at an aircraft is a criminal offence, carries an unlimited fine and up to 5 years in prison.
“The police are currently searching for the offender.”
A spokesperson for the Wiltshire Special Constabulary, which responded to the incident, said: “This is extremely dangerous and will NOT be tolerated. Those found doing so will be dealt with robustly.
”If you see anyone shining a laser at an aircraft, please call 999.”
We’ve approached Wiltshire Police for comment.
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police launched an investigation into two laser attacks. In one of the incidents, in Chipping Norton, the pilot suffered a serious eye injury as a result.
