Laser shone at rescue helicopter in Qld

A laser has been pointed into the cockpit of a rescue helicopter carrying a patient to Townsville Hospital.

Queensland police say the pilot was distracted when the beam was shone into the cockpit as the chopper flew over Bushland Beach about 11pm on Thursday.

Officers are hunting the culprit as pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious offence in Queensland, carrying a maximum penalty of two years in jail.