A police officer has been hit and killed by a stolen car north of Brisbane, with a manhunt underway for the driver who fled the scene.
Senior Constable Dave Masters was responding to a suspected stolen vehicle when he was struck on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary just after 3am, police say.
Commissioner Katarina Carroll on Saturday morning visited the scene, and offered her condolences to the 53-year-old's family and friends.
"It is with a very heavy heart we confirm the loss of one of our own, a senior constable who was working hard to protect his community," she said in a statement.
"This is devastating news for our police family and we are offering support to all officers and staff."
Queensland Police Union secretary Mick Barnes said the incident again highlights the inherent danger involved in all police work.
"Dave's life has been cut tragically short for one reason and one reason alone - for simply doing his job," he said.
"We know that when we leave home to go to work each day, there are never any guarantees we will come home at the end of the day.
"(But) Dave - as a parent, husband, and committed officer - leaves behind a station in shock and disbelief."
Investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit and Ethical Standards Command have begun, as police search for the driver of the white Hyundai Kona SUV, who fled the scene.
Massive delays are expected along the Bruce Highway for hours, with northbound lanes at Burpengary closed on the first day of school holidays.
