A huge manhunt is under way for a heavily armed male suspect after two Australian police officers were shot dead and one injured in an ambush at a property in a small rural town in Victoria state.
Police described the situation in Porepunkah in the Australian Alps - some 300km (186 miles) north-east of Melbourne - as an active incident with hundreds of personnel deployed to find the suspect.
Officers were attacked as 10 of them attended the property to serve an arrest warrant, which Australian media said was for historical sex offences.
Police say the suspect escaped into the bush alone and on foot after the shooting. Officers are still trying to locate the man's wife and children.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated that 10 officers responded to the call at about 10:30 local time (00:30 GMT) when they were met with gunfire.
Two officers—a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable—were murdered in cold blood according to Bush. A third officer sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
Mr. Bush emphasized that all available resources are deployed to apprehend the suspect who is considered dangerous, urging locals to remain indoors.
Statements of sadness and support for the families of the fallen officers have been shared by local council officials and state leaders, expressing deep sorrow for the community impacted.
Local resident Emily White remarked on the shocking nature of the incident, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the small town where crime is generally rare.
Reports claim that the suspect is believed to be a self-declared sovereign citizen, a term identifying individuals who believe they are not subject to government authority.
Gun crime is relatively rare in Australia, where strict regulations on firearms are in place, yet this incident has reignited discussions on the presence of such ideologies in local communities.
