Police are investigating after a laser was shone into the cockpit of a search and rescue helicopter.

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday when a laser pen is believed to have been aimed at a Coastguard helicopter from the Merkinch area of Inverness.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "The use of a laser pointer in this manner is extremely reckless and such use could have dangerous consequences for the pilot, any crew and passengers on board, and also the general public.

"Police Scotland would urge people in possession of these type of devices not to misuse them and reminds people that it is a criminal offence taken very seriously by both Police Scotland and the Scottish courts."