CHESHIRE Police has released video footage taken from a police helicopter capturing the moment Orford yob William Sproat blinds the pilot and crew with a laser pen.

The laser beam from the pen can be seen shining from the window of Sproat's flat on Morgan Avenue.

Captain Scott Broom can be heard informing police colleagues the helicopter, NPAS Barton, is under attack.

The pilot was forced to take emergency evasive action at 1000ft, and abort the operation the aircraft had been sent on. 

On-board technology is then used to track Sproat's location, and he was arrested.

Sproat, aged 23, was jailed for four months at Halton Magistrates Court in November.

District Judge Bridget Knight said he had endangered the lives of the helicopter crew, and residents in the area below.