A Virgin Atlantic flight to New York had to turn back to Heathrow last night after a laser beam was shone through the cockpit.
The airline confirmed that shortly after take-off at 20:13 on Sunday 14, flight VS025 returned to London after air traffic control was informed of a “medical issue” with one of the pilots.
The flight was grounded overnight, and the 252 passengers put up in hotels.
Shining a laser at a plane can be a criminal offence. There have been no arrests, but police are investigating.
The British Airline Pilots Association has called for more action in tackling the growing use of lasers.
It believes lasers should classified as an offensive weapon.