A man has been arrested for endangering a helicopter by shining a laser towards it.

Limshin Chung Ching Wan was arrested at a house in Blackdown Close, East Finchley, on Thursday, January 12, with four laser pens seized at the address.

The 42-year-old was charged with shining a green laser at a national police air service helicopter, momentarily causing a crew member to lose vision and endangering the aircraft.

He pleaded guilty last Tuesday (January 31) and was committed to Harrow crown court for sentencing at a so-far unannounced date.

Upon sentencing, he could receive a fine or a maximum five year prison sentence.

Sergeant Jamie Kay from Barnet police said: “My officers work closely with the national police air service following any laser attack.

“As is demonstrated in this case this usually leads to their prompt arrest.

“Shining a laser at an aircraft is incredibly dangerous.

“Lasers are not toys and they should be handled responsibly.”

Secretary for transport Chris Grayling announced yesterday (February 5) upcoming legislation which would bring harder punishments for people shining laser pens at pilots, train and bus drivers.

Offenders could face thousands of pounds in fines or a greater prison sentence.

Mr Grayling, MP for Epson and Ewell, said: “There are around 1,500 laser attacks on aircraft every year in the UK and we know there have been similar attacks on trains and buses.

“What I am announcing are plans to give the police effective powers to investigate and bring those who misuse lasers to justice.”