Blackpool sea search suspended after rescue helicopter targeted by laser

Credit: RNLI

A rescue mission off Blackpool was halted when a laser was shone at a search helicopter.

RNLI crews were called after reports of someone entering the sea near Manchester Square, but the aircraft had to withdraw for forty minutes.

The incident happened at just after 11pm on Friday.

Steve Fitzgerald, Blackpool RNLI Chair and Lifeboat Press Officer, said 'This was a lengthy and protracted search based on the information supplied, and the deployment of Rescue 936 helicopter was deemed essential to support our Lifeboat crews. It beggars belief that anyone would want target a Search and Rescue helicopter to prevent them doing their lifesaving task, whilst also being a very real danger to the flying crew'

No one was found and inquiries continue.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from Central Radio News

On Air Now Central Drive with Dom Molloy 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Now Playing
Training Season Dua Lipa Download
Recently Played

Download our Apps

Listen to us on the go, download our mobile app.

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play
  • Available on the Amazon Appstore
  • Just ask Amazon Alexa

Up next on Central Radio

  • The Evening Bit with Steve Crumley

    7:00pm - 10:00pm