LASER pens were causing havoc over the weekend in Ayr.

Police received reports that youths were shining laser pens into cars driving at Whitletts Road and aiming them into the sky.

The laser pens, which can be bought online for as little as £3 can blind drivers and cause an accident.

Due to the power of the light, it is a serious hazard for pilots of aircrafts as well as those driving any heavy machinery.

Safter Communities officer PC Jamie Dunlop said: "The shining of a laser pen light towards someone in control of machinery, be that the driver of a car or a bus, or indeed the pilot of a plane is a criminal offence and will be dealt with as such.

"Police Scotland take this type of reckless and inconsiderate behaviour seriously and will pursue and arrest anyone who uses laser pens inappropriately.

"Offences such as this can carry a custodial sentence."

A similar incident took place in December 2015 when Police were hunting for a person in Renton in West Dumbartonshire who shone a green laser light into an overhead aeroplane.

A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said: "Shining a laser at an aircraft in flight could pose a serious safety risk and is also a specific criminal offence.

"Anyone convicted of shining a laser at an aircraft can face a significant fine or even imprisonment should the safety of an aircraft be endangered.

"We always urge anyone who sees a laser being used in the vicinity of an airport to contact the police immediately."

If you have any information on those responsible, people are urged to get in touch with police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.