A Virgin Atlantic plane bound for New York had to return to Heathrow Airport after a laser was shone into the cockpit dazzling one of the pilots.

The flight doubled back as a "precautionary measure" after the co-pilot reported feeling unwell following the incident, the airline said.

A spokeswoman for the company confirmed the incident and said the airline was working with the police "to identify the source of the laser".

A message on the airline's flight status website said: "Following this incident the First Officer reported feeling unwell.

"The decision was taken by both pilots to return to Heathrow rather than continue the transatlantic crossing."

The police are attempting to find the source of the beam, but no arrests have been made.

Passengers on the flight were offered overnight accommodation, Virgin Atlantic said.