Text entered

Laser pen shone at driver

Northumbria Police

1 July 2010


Police have issued a warning about the dangers of shining laser pens at people, following a recent incident involving a bus driver.
The 35-year-old driver needed hospital treatment after a laser pen was flashed in his eyes by youths as he drove through North Shields.
The incident happened on Saturday, June 26, at 9.50pm on Station Road in Percy Main. As the number 19 bus went past Percy Main Metro Station two youths aged 15-16 years shone a green laser pen in the driver's eyes.
The driver managed to safely stop the bus and found that his vision was blurry and called for assistance.  Police are investigating the incident and are increasing patrols in the area.
Inspector Geoff Cross, of North Shields Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The driver received treatment at Sunderland Royal Hospital. He suffered discomfort for a few days but fortunately no lasting damage has been caused to his sight.
"But this was a potentially dangerous situation and could have caused a crash and injured the public. If we catch people misusing laser pens in this way we will take serious action."
If anyone has any information about this incident please contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.