Pilots are warning of a "tragedy" unless measures are taken to stop people shining lasers at cockpits, or flying drones near aircraft.

The British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa) said it was only a matter of time before a major accident is caused by a drone collision or a pilot being incapacitated by a laser attack.

Reports of laser attacks jumped to 1,439 last year, with over half of pilots saying they had experienced an incident, while drone near misses increased from 29 in 2015 to 42 so far this year, said Balpa.

General secretary Brian Strutton told the TUC Congress in Brighton: "The travelling public is entitled to expect every flight to be a safe flight but the increasing risk posed by drones and lasers makes that harder to maintain.

"These risks must be addressed and British pilots urge the aviation authorities to act without delay to use regulatory and legislative powers to ensure that drones are integrated into our skies in a safe and sensible manner and that the sale, use, carriage and power of lasers are restricted."

The conference called on aviation authorities to use their powers to ensure that drones and lasers were used safely before a tragedy occurs.

Balpa said it had been constantly raising its concerns to the authorities and the Government.

A Government spokesman said: "Safety is our top priority. There are severe penalties in place for misuse of drones and laser pens and we take these issues very seriously.

"There are rules drone operators must follow and we lead on efforts to develop a stringent regulatory framework that keeps pace with the development of this technology.

"Shining a laser at an aircraft in flight is already a criminal offence and we continue to adapt and strengthen regulations."