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Key Points
- Two police officers and a member of the public were shot dead during an ambush in Queensland.
- AAP has been told the three attackers were killed in a firefight with officers.
- Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the horrific incident was devastating for the victims’ families and the entire organisation.
Police have shot dead three people after an ambush at a remote property on Queensland’s Darling Downs in which two officers and a member of the public were killed.
Earlier on Monday, four officers were at the isolated rural property to investigate reports of a missing person from NSW and were met with a hail of gunfire.
Police returned fire but the two officers were critically injured and died at the scene.
Another two officers were wounded when at least two gunmen opened fire at the rural property at Wains Road in Wieambilla at 4.45pm.
Authorities said a siege situation then ensued at the property and specialist police officers and PolAir responded.
“Two males and a female were fatally shot during a confrontation with police shortly after 10.30pm,” police said in a statement early on Tuesday morning.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the horrific incident was devastating for the victims’ families and the entire organisation.
The commissioner fought back tears as she confirmed the initial deaths of the three people, including two police officers, at the late-night media conference on Monday.
“I would like to also pay tribute to all police and first responders who assisted at the scene and are continuing to respond this evening.
“Tragically, this is the largest loss of life we have suffered in one single incident in recent times… It is devastating news.”
An emergency declaration remained in place on Tuesday morning for the Wieambilla area and a crime scene had been established at the property.
Circumstances surrounding the incident will be investigated by police and overviewed by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the coroner.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier said it was a heartbreaking loss for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“My condolences to all who are grieving tonight – Australia mourns with you,” he tweeted.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton, a former Queensland police officer, was also moved by the tragedy.
“Deeply distressing news coming out of western Queensland tonight with those police officers who have been murdered,” he wrote.
“Police officers face danger every day to keep us from it.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the deaths were a “horrible tragedy” as Western Downs regional council mayor Paul McVeigh said his community was shattered.
“It’s an absolute tragedy in our community,” Mr McVeigh said.
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