Probe into aircraft pen shinings

Police say the latest incident was not caused by a laser pen being shone

A laser pen shone at two aircraft as the pilot tried to land at Blackpool Airport could have caused "catastrophic" results, said police.

Officers have been investigating two incidents in which a light was directed as the aircraft flew over St Annes.

Lancashire Police said: "If convicted individuals could face prison."

Meanwhile, police were called to an incident in which an aircraft travelling to the Isle of Man was grounded at the airport on Wednesday.

Officers attended the airport at 1320 BST when the Viking Airlines flight travelling from Innsbruck, Austria, to the Isle of Man was forced to land.

Around 52 passengers were delayed for four hours when they were transferred to another plane, said a spokesman for Blackpool Airport.

Lancashire Police added: "This aeroplane landed after the pilot reported suspected technical problems.

"However, we do not believe this was linked to incidents involving lasers."

Air traffic control received calls that lasers had been shone at aircraft on 28 and 29 September.