A rescue helicopter was targeted with a laser pen in Inverness on its way back from a mission in Skye.

Police are hunting the culprits who aimed the laser into the cockpit of the UK Coastguard Rescue 951 helicopter on Sunday.

A green laser was pointed at the rescue team at around 3.25am and officers believe it originated from the Merkinch area of the city.

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."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.