Laser targets passenger planes in Australia

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Three passenger planes headed for Sydney airport were targeted by a high-powered laser, with one pilot hit in the eye, police said on Thursday.

The first strike happened on Wednesday evening on the plane's approach, while a laser beam flashed at a second aircraft soon after. In the third incident a pilot was hit in the eye.

All three planes landed safely.

"It's a serious offence," said a local police spokesman, adding that it was thought the incidents were linked.

Laser strikes at flying aircraft has become an international problem, with a flight targeted in New Zealand this week.

New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association vice-president Glen Kenny said the dangerous scourge was becoming common with 16 cases in the country this year.

The gadgets are prohibited weapons in Australia and a permit is needed to own one, but there are no restrictions on their sale or distribution in New Zealand.