A DRIVER was temporarily blinded and almost forced off the road after a powerful laser was shone into his eyes through his car window.

It is believed to be one of a number of incidents, including ones at Southend Airport, as the dangerous craze returns.

The Canvey resident was driving along Fairlop Avenue, at 4.30am on Monday.

The laser was deliberately pointed through the windscreen.

Victim Billy Holmes said: “Just had the police round my house investigating a phone call I made to them when someone on Fairlop Avenue pointed an incredibly strong laser at my car an nearly took me off the road.

“Evidently they’ve been pointing it at low flying aircraft on the flight path to Southend too which is a very serious crime.

“If you see the little ‘oik’ do it, make sure you report it.

“The police are coming down hard on them and rightly so.”

Police visited Mr Holmes on Tuesday and revealed concerns about this type of behaviour.

A spokesman for Southend Airport confirmed incidents had taken place in the past.

The airport insisted the laser attacks are rare, but very serious when they occur.

The spokesman did not comment on any specific incidents, but reaffirmed its call for tougher legislation in relation to the use of laser pens and other devices being used to blind pilots or drivers and potentially cause catastrophic consequences.

Glyn Jones, chief executive officer of Stobart Aviation, said: “Laser attacks at London Southend Airport are rare but not to be taken lightly. The safety and security of our airline customers and passengers is our number one priority so we fully support the use of legal and, if necessary, licensing action to remove any threat to safe operations.”

Last year, Southend Airport spoke out in support of licenses for lasers. Essex Police did not provide a comment.