18 November 2011

Police in Norwich are appealing for information after a laser pen was flashed in the eyes of a bus driver in Sprowston causing him to mount the curb.

The incident happened on Friday 11 November close to the Tesco store on Blue Boar Road between 6.15pm and 7.30pm.

The bus was travelling on the roundabout when the driver noticed a group of youths standing on the pathway when one of them shone a laser pen at the bus, dazzling the driver and causing him to mount the curb. The driver safely stopped the bus and was treated in hospital for blurred vision.

Police are also investigating reports of a similar incident which happened in Linacre Avenue on the same night. A second bus driver reported seeing a laser pen being aimed at passing motorists.

Sgt Neil Dye, from the Sprowston and Spixworth Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “It’s extremely fortunate that no one was injured during this incident which could easily have ended very differently.

“Young people need to be reminded that these items are not toys and using them in this manner could have serious consequences.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or remembers seeing a group of youths in the area that evening.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Keith Lambert at Sprowston Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.