One of two police officers attacked and stabbed in South Australia's Mid North is showing progress following surgery last night, the state's police commissioner says, as his family thanks well-wishers for their "overwhelming support".
Brevet Sergeants Ian Todd and Jordan Allely were yesterday called to a Crystal Brook address on Symons Street, where they were stabbed by occupant Sean Ferris, who was then shot dead.
Sergeant Allely was treated in hospital for arm and leg injuries and is now recovering at home with his family.
Sergeant Todd remains in the Royal Adelaide Hospital having undergone surgery last night for critical injuries to his neck, arm and hands.
SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said Sergeant Todd was showing signs of "positive progress", but "still has some way to go".
"I've been advised that the surgery has gone well, and that he is continuing to make progress today," he said.
In a statement, Sergeant Todd's family said they continued to "focus on Ian's recovery", and they thanked the first responders who had helped the two officers.
"In particular, we would like to thank the member of the public who came to the scene and rendered assistance to them both," the statement read.
"We are grateful for the courage that they displayed during such a confronting incident."
The statement went on to thank medical staff for their "care, compassion and treatment", as well as the support shown by the police community and the public.
"That overwhelming support has made a huge difference to our family at this difficult time," the family said.
Commissioner Stevens said a detective superintendent has been appointed to lead a police inquiry into the incident.
The commissioner said the families of both officers were receiving support, as were other officers who attended, and he lauded the SA Ambulance Service member who was first on scene.
"I'm confident that that officer saved Ian's life at the scene, and I can't express my deep gratitude to that person enough," he said.
"I met and spoke to him yesterday and he told me he was just doing his job. Well, I'm bloody grateful he was there to do it."
Neighbour provided 'critical support'
The commissioner also repeated his praise for a neighbour who came to the aid of both officers at the scene.
"[A] resident of the street, Symons Street in Crystal Brook, heard the incident and came out and rendered absolutely critical support to the police officers, and I can't convey my gratitude to that person enough," he said.
"The fact that they were prepared to step in in very uncertain circumstances, to potentially put their own life at risk, is testament to the type of community we have."
Police have said the attack on the officers followed an altercation at a local supermarket between a member of the public and Mr Ferris "which was relatively minor in context, but there was a requirement for police to go and speak to him".
"They did that yesterday morning and on arrival at his home address, the incident unfolded," the commissioner said.
Major Crime detectives and SA Police's forensic response and internal investigation teams have scoured the scene and gathered evidence.
Police have praised the public response, saying there has been an outpouring of support for the force in a difficult time.
"It's been felt throughout the state," Senior Constable Jen Cullinan told ABC Radio Adelaide.
"People are coming up and thanking the police and going into police stations to thank them for their service."
Police Association president Mark Carroll said the incident had caused shock "not just here in South Australia" but across the country.
"The blue family puts their arms around each other when instances like this occur," he said.
"We know what happened, that terrible tragedy in Queensland for Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow who were killed in December, so these things permeate right across the nation."
Port Germein locals told the ABC the community was shocked to hear Mr Todd was involved in the stabbing incident at Crystal Brook.
Darren Skuse said Mr Todd is a "beautiful person" who is loved by everyone in the Port Germein community.
"Ian was part of the community, not only as a police officer but as a person. He was a person before he was a police officer and he came to all the community events," he said.
"Beautiful person. Always friendly, never see him angry, just fun loving in the community, just everyone loves him."
Crystal Brook resident Teresa Bryant said "absolutely everyone's thoughts are with" the injured officers.
"Hopefully it'll all be alright," she said.
Police Minister Joe Szakacs said he had spoken to the families of both officers to convey the South Australian public's sympathies.
"The entire public of South Australia is with them, and the entire public of South Australia stands beside them as they navigate these very serious hours and days ahead of them," he said.
Mr Szakacs commended paramedics who were called to what was "a very serious, high-risk" situation which has been "shocking for the whole state".
"Their bravery in attending to the two seriously injured police was extraordinary," he said.
