THREE people including two police have been killed in an alleged execution-style murder at a rural property in Queensland.
Police were investigating a missing persons case in the remote town Wieambilla, about three hours west of Brisbane, when the horrific incident happened.
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Multiple police officers came under fire from inside a house as they walked up the property’s driveway at about 4pm local time (8am GMT) this afternoon.
Horrifyingly, the two wounded were seen to be approached by at least two shooters clad in military-style camouflage fatigues, and shot execution-style where they lay, according to The Australian.
A member of the public was also killed on the scene.
Of those who survived, one officer received a bullet graze and is receiving treatment in hospital.
A fourth officer also managed to escape the property and is receiving treatment.
The officers were at a property on Wain’s Road investigating a missing person from New South Wales when the attack happened.
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was an active event and those responsible had not been captured.
She said: “An operation is currently unfolding at the location this evening involving Police Air and specialist colleagues.
“While we are yet to learn the full extent of what has occurred today, we do know this event is extraordinarily distressing on many levels.
“Tragically, this is this is the largest loss of life we have suffered in one single incident in recent times.”
A declaration zone has been issued in the Western Downs area an residents have been told to stay indoors until further notice.
Earlier on Monday afternoon multiple ambulances were called to the scene at Wains Road, Wieambilla, where neighbours reported hearing dozens of gun shots and witnessing cars on fire.
The property where the shooting took place is set among small acreage blocks and has a small wooden house.
A local resident is believed to have been shot after going to investigate what appeared to be a car fire at a neighbouring property.
A neighbour told ABC news the man was shot as he walked up to the gate.
Another man who was with him was reported to have run to safety.
Residents described hearing what they believed to be a semi-automatic weapon being fired on the property, which had been unoccupied until the past week.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the shooting was a horrible tragedy.
She said: “I extend my deepest respects to their families and to the Queensland Police Service family as a whole.
“Our police risk their lives every day to keep us safe. I know Queensland joins with me in expressing our shock and sadness.”
Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said multiple emergency crews in Dalby have been called to help.
He said: “There’s been constant sirens out here, and it sounds like an absolute tragedy.”
Queensland Police said the investigation is ongoing.
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James Liveris
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