AIR passengers and crew were put at risk when an illegal laser was pointed at a Flybe flight on Monday night.

Police were informed after a pilot noticed the green light at 10.10pm as the plane approached Bournemouth Airport.

Lasers can distract pilots as they attempt to land, potentially putting lives at risk.

Green lasers are said to be stronger than red, and their lights can expand as they travel, possibly blocking a pilot's view.

Such acts are now against the law and the offender has been criticised by a spokeswoman for Bournemouth Airport.

She said: "Shining a laser at an aircraft in flight is a serious risk to the safety of passengers and crew and is a criminal offence.,

"Any reports of laser attacks are reported to the Civil Aviation Authority who will investigate the matter."

The National Police Air Service was made aware of the incident and later tweeted: "Green laser shone at aircraft as we approached airport from Christchurch area. Illegal and Dangerous. Further enquiries to be made." 

This morning they added: "It's not the first time and sadly won't be the last."

Dorset Police said the incident had been reported but that they are not involved in further inquiries.

Earlier this year a Southampton security guard appeared in court after admitting shining a laser pen beam at planes approaching Southampton Airport while bored during coffee breaks at work.

Mark Savage, 27, from Totton walked free from court, despite a reprimand from a judge about how much injury and damage he could have caused.

He was spared an immediate prison sentence after Recorder Michael Vere-Hodge QC heard he had mental health problems.

The judge warned how his actions could have caused a plane crash over a densely populated area, and how he could not think of "anything more dangerous" to do.

Savage admitted three charges of negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger aircraft. He received a six month suspended sentence coupled with 12 months supervision.