A driver was temporarily blinded when youths shone a laser pen into his car windscreen.
He told police he narrowly avoided a crash after the incident in Clacton.
The man was in Station Road at 2.20am on Wednesday when he was targeted by the red beam.
Officers have today condemned the actions as irresponsible and dangerous.
They have warned that drivers or pedestrians could be killed if pens are used recklessly.
A spokesman for Clacton police said: "Shining a laser pen at someone as they are driving past is obviously extremely dangerous.
"It might seem like nothing more than an amusing nuisance but the consequences could be serious."
Police believe it could have been an isolated incident but want to hear from anyone else who was targeted in the Station Road area.
- Anyone with information about the incident in Station Road should call Clacton police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
- More in today's Gazette
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