'Laser Beam Incident' Forces New York-Bound Flight to Return to London

— -- A New York-bound passenger jet was forced to return to London's Heathrow airport tonight as a precautionary measure after an apparent laser beam incident, officials said.

Virgin Airlines flight VS025 reported a "medical issue with one of the pilots after a laser incident," according to ATC audio posted on airportwebcams.net.

"The safety of our crew and customers is our top priority and we apologize for any inconvenience to those onboard," Virgin Airlines said in a statement. "All customers will be offered overnight accommodation and we will get them on their journey as soon as possible. We are working with the authorities to identify the source of the laser that caused the return of the aircraft to Heathrow."