YOUNG people are being warned they could cause a serious accident by shining laser pens into people's eyes.

It follows a number of complaints by people in Silloth about the antisocial use of the devices in the town.

Reports of problems in Silloth come as issues surrounding the use of lasers nationally has been highlighted following incidents including when a laser was directed at a police helicopter in the Midlands.

Police say the "irresponsible" behaviour could lead to someone being injured or having their eye sight damaged.

Sergeant Gill Atkinson said: “Whilst some may see this issue as trivial and a bit of fun we are becoming increasingly concerned that those shining the laser pens at people’s eyes do not fully appreciate the potential consequences of their actions.

"The last thing we want to see happen is a person suffer damage to their eye or suffer an injury because their sight is impaired. 

"We have received complaints from a number of people including elderly members of the community.

"I urge those young people who are choosing to behave in this antisocial manner to think about the consequences of their actions & be more considerate towards other members of the community.

"Police have already seized several laser pens from young people in the area and I’d also ask that parents be aware of what their children are doing especially if they have a laser pen.”

Anyone with information about the incidents should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.