A MAN has admitted ‘dazzling’ a police helicopter pilot who was searching for someone with welfare concerns.

Residents in south Warrington reported hearing and seeing the force helicopter overhead in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Cheshire Police has confirmed that it was scrambled to assist in the search of a man after concerns were raised for his welfare.

Thankfully, the man was located, however, the helicopter pilot was dazzled by a laser beam during the search.

A man, not the man for whom welfare concern was raised, has been charged with shining or directing a laser beam towards an aircraft.

David Warren, of Eagle Mount in Wilderspool, pleaded guilty to the charge before the magistrates’ court yesterday, Wednesday, with the 40-year-old to be sentenced next month.

A Cheshire Police. spokesman said: “At around 1.30am on Tuesday, August 27, police were called to concerns for the welfare of a man in Warrington.

“National Police Air Service assisted in locating the man.

“David Warren, aged 40 and of Eagle Mount, Wilderspool, was charged with shining a laser beam towards an aircraft.

“He appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 28, where he pleaded guilty.

“He will next appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 26.”