A TEENAGER may face prosecution over claims that a laser pen was pointed at a teacher's face during a lesson.

The woman was supervising a morning class at Bank Hey Special School, Heys Lane, Blackburn, when a light from one of the controversial pens was said to have shone in her eye.

A teenage girl was quizzed by police following the incident and may now be prosecuted.

She has been released on bail until a Juvenile Panel, usually made up of welfare workers, the Crown Prosecution Service and education officials, decide if she should be prosecuted

The teenager could face any one of several charges, including assault or even grievous bodily harm, depending on the extent of the teacher's injuries. The school for pupils with behaviour and emotional problems and Lancashire County Council are refusing to comment on the matter and it is not known how badly injured the teacher was.

Detective Sergeant Joe Kellett, of Blackburn, said: "A girl has been questioned after it was alleged she shone a laser light into the eyes of a teacher who was supervising a class.

"A file has been sent to a Juvenile Panel and the girl has been released on police bail."

The Government has already banned stronger versions of the devices. Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw also ruled that anyone caught with a laser pen without a reasonable explanation could be charged with carrying an offensive weapon.

Several bus drivers, firemen and even a pilot trying to land a plane at Manchester Airport have fallen victim to them in recent months.

And Noel Gallagher of rock band Oasis suffered headaches after a light was shone in his eyes during a concert.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.