06:54 GMT, Thursday, 8 May 2008 07:54 UK
Arrest after laser shone at pilot
A man has been arrested on suspicion of endangering an aircraft after the pilot of a police helicopter was temporarily blinded while at the controls.

The helicopter was helping chase a vehicle in the Lancashire area.

While the pilot was flying over Nelson the beam from a laser pen was shone into his eyes. He could not see and was forced to take evasive action.

The pilot directed ground patrols to the area, where a 45-year-old man was arrested for endangering an aircraft.

Lancashire Police said the incident on Wednesday night could have resulted in a crash and multiple injuries or deaths.

The man, from Nelson, is currently in custody and will be questioned by police later.