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Scotland: Laser forces medical helicopter to take patient to hospital further away

A medical helicopter transporting a sick child was trying to land at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on July 25 2021 when it was illuminated by a laser pen. The landing attempt was broken off. Instead, the helicopter went 9 air miles to Edinburgh Airport where the child was put into an ambulance and taken 14 miles by road back to the Royal Infirmary.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said "This was an incredibly reckless action that could have endangered the patient and crew, and Police Scotland are investigating."

As of August 11 2021, no perpetrator had been identified.

From The Scotsman and the Daily Record