A MAN who mistook the police Air Wing for a UFO has been arrested after allegedly shining a laser into the aircraft.

The helicopter was flying over the Brighton area when the man allegedly beamed the laser into the cockpit around 1.25am this morning.

The 42-year-old Brighton man was arrested at a Bay St home shortly after, where he was interviewed by police.

Police expect him to be charged by summons with conduct endangering person and interference with crew or aircraft.

A 23-year-old West Heidelberg man was charged last week after allegedly shining a laser at the police helicopter.