Two police officers and a member of the public have been shot dead at a remote property while the gunmen are still on the loose.
Officers responded to reports of a missing person in Wieambilla, 168 miles west of Brisbane, when they were killed on duty in Queensland, Australia.
The two officers, a 29-year-old male and a 26-year-old female, were killed at point-blank range by two gunmen, reportedly wearing camouflage.
It is understood a third female officer — in her first year and only a few weeks out of the police academy — managed to escape and help raise the alarm as two patrols came under heavy and sustained fire.
Another officer escaped with a leg wound after being grazed by the bullet and was rushed to Chinchilla Hospital, 30 minutes from Wieambilla.
A neighbour was also shot after hearing gunfire and going to investigate.
Specialist teams, a medical aircraft and significant support are moving towards the rural area following police being called to the rural property at Wains Road in Wieambilla, around 4.45 pm local time on Monday.
Police have declared an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) in relation to the ongoing incident as the gunmen are still on the loose.
"Residents within the declared areas must remain indoors until further notice, and motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area", the police said in a statement.
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed the three deaths but would not provide further details because the offenders had yet to be taken into custody.
She said: "Tragically, this is the largest loss of life we have suffered in one single incident in recent times. Those officers paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe.”
The officers who responded were from the nearby towns of Tara and Chinchilla, Western Downs regional council mayor, Paul McVeigh told the Guardian.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described “terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty”.
He wrote on Twitter: “My condolences to all who are grieving tonight - Australia mourns with you."
Residents within Chinchilla Tara Road, Wieambilla Road, Bennetts School Road and Mary Street were told to stay indoors until further notice.
Roads remained closed in a large area containing multiple properties late on Monday.
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