Six people are dead, including two Australian police officers, a member of the public and three alleged gunmen, after a deadly ambush in Queensland overnight.
Local media say four officers were attending a property in Wieambilla, in the Western Downs region west of Brisbane, to make enquiries regarding a missing person. But as they were walking up the driveway, they were reportedly ambushed by two men inside the house.
Sources told The Australian two officers fell to the ground before a gunman in camouflage clothing came out and carried out an "execution-style" shooting on the victims.
According to mygc.com.au, the third officer managed to withdraw and raise the alarm despite being shot in the leg.
"Despite sustaining serious injuries, he has escaped in one of the patrol cars," a police source told AAP.
The fourth officer fled into nearby bush - however the gunmen lit a fire to smoke her out, The Australian reported. She was believed to be unaccounted for before updates stated she had been saved by a police extraction team.
The Courier-Mail said the slain officers were a 29-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman.
Special Operations police subsequently shot dead three alleged offenders, two men and a woman - in a gunfight, shortly after 10:30pm (local time).
Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the horrific incident was devastating for the victims' families and police.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the officers' families, friends and colleagues and our thoughts are with them during this extremely difficult time," Carroll said.
"I would like to 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 the QPS has suffered in one single incident in recent times."
Carroll said the "devastating news" will be felt across Queensland.
"It is sad reminder of the unpredictable nature of policing and the incredible dangers our officers face while protecting our community."
"It's an absolute tragedy in our community," Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh told The Guardian Australia. "A couple of young police officers shot dead is an absolute tragedy."
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was a heartbreaking day for the families.
"Terrible scenes in Wieambilla... My condolences to all who are grieving tonight - Australia mourns with you," Albanese wrote on Twitter.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state would be in "shock and sadness".
"I extend my deepest respects to their families and to the Queensland Police Service family as a whole," Palaszczuk said.
"Our police risk their lives every day to keep us safe. I know Queensland joins with me in expressing our shock and sadness."
