Exclusion zone declared in Cairns City after helicopter crash into hotel roof

Police have declared an exclusion zone in Cairns City after a helicopter crashed into the roof of a hotel overnight.

The exclusion zone declared under the Public Safety Preservation Act includes the Esplanade, Minnie Street, Aplin Street and Grafton Street.

Emergency services were called to reports of an aviation incident at the Esplanade at around 1.50am.

The hotel was evacuated as a precaution and there were no injuries sustained by people on the ground.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.