The man at the centre of the "execution-style" slaying of two Australian police officers and an innocent neighbour in Queensland has been named.
Four officers were attending a property in Wieambilla, in the Western Downs region west of Brisbane, to make enquiries regarding a missing person.
The missing person was Nathaniel Train, who went missing from Dubbo in New South Wales (NSW) in December 2021, but was only reported missing a few days ago, 7 News reports.
Train's brother Gareth, who reportedly owns the property, was there too, along with another woman.
All three were shot and killed by special operations police in a gunfight, shortly after 10:30pm (local time) on Monday, after a massive manhunt.
The shooting came after the four officers were ambushed by two men inside the property as they were walking up the driveway.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers described the horrifying tactics used by the killers.
"This ruthless, murderous trio, they have gone and executed the two police officers on the ground in cold blood," he told media.
"We have never seen anything like this. It is an absolute tragedy. This was a pure execution ... they had no chance."
The two officers killed were Constable Rachel McCrow, 26, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 29, according to Queensland Police.
A member of the public was also shot and killed and has been identified as 58-year-old Alan Dare.
One uninjured officer was able to escape, but Leavers said a female officer had to retreat to long grass in the property before the offenders tried to "coax her out" by using fire.
"This murderous trio lit a fire to try and coax her out," Leavers said.
"If she stood up, she would be shot. She thought she would either be shot, or she would be burnt alive. This is absolutely horrendous."
Sixteen police officers then rushed to the scene in an attempt to save their colleagues' lives.
"They wanted to do what they could to save their lives," he said.
"Sadly, they did this under heavy gunfire, and nothing could be done to save their lives. A member of the public went to investigate and he was shot in the back. That is just an absolute tragedy as well."
Who is Nathaniel Train
Train had been living in NSW where he had been working as the principal of the local community primary school, the Guardian Australia reports.
The NSW Parliament heard Train sent 16 emails over a two-week period in March this year to the NSW Department of Education about the problems facing the school.
Train had been in contact with family members in October but they had failed to make contact with him recently and held "serious concern" for his welfare, a statement issued by NSW police said.
Tributes flow for killed Queensland officers
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."
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.
