Six people have been shot dead, including two police officers, during a siege at a property in Queensland's Western Downs that has been described as a "calculated and targeted execution".
Four Queensland police officers had gone to the property in Wieambilla, west of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon to investigate a missing persons case from New South Wales.
As they approached, two officers — Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26 — were fatally shot by two armed offenders, and a member of the public was also shot and killed.
The alleged offenders — two men and a woman — were then shot and killed by police late last night.
Alan Dare, a 58-year-old man from a neighbouring property, was shot after going to investigate what appeared to be a car fire at the property. Another man who was with him reportedly ran to safety.
Residents were told to stay indoors until further notice and multiple ambulances were called to the scene.
A declaration zone was issued for the area between Chinchilla Tara Road, Wieambilla Road, Bennetts School Road and Mary Street.
Wains Road has been closed.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it has been an "unimaginable tragedy".
"This has been incredibly distressing and tragic for everyone, particularly family, officers involved, colleagues, the organisation, and the community.
“Unfortunately, this incident is a tragic reminder of the unpredictable nature of policing — every day our officers face very real dangers while protecting their communities."
'Ruthless, calculated and targeted execution of our colleagues'
The Queensland Police Union president (QPU) Ian Leavers described the killing as a ruthless, cold-blooded "execution".
"Police were responding to a call for service for a missing person, it was simply that … as soon as they entered the property, they were inundated with gunfire and they never had a chance," Mr Leavers said.
"Two police officers were executed in cold blood.
"To know that she and he are no longer with us in what was a ruthless, calculated and targeted execution of our colleagues and loved ones brings home the very real risks that we face every single day doing our jobs.
"Just such a tragedy, this should never happen. It was completely unexpected.
"They're both under 30, they've hardly lived life and their lives have been cut short."
Mr Leavers said he has spoken with the male police officer's father last night.
"He was distraught, he's just lost for words."
Mr Leavers said a responding policewoman, who managed to escape from the scene, was sworn into the police service just eight weeks ago.
"Her training came in and when she believed her life was about to come to an end, she never stopped trying to do the right thing and communicate with her colleagues," he said.
"She sent messages to loved ones because she thought her time was up."
He said the member of the public who was also killed, was "shot in cold blood in the back".
"This ruthless, murderous trio showed absolutely no compassion.
"This has hit home not only to my colleagues in this local area but right across Queensland and also our colleagues right across the country."
Earlier in the day another officer received a bullet graze and was being treated in hospital.
A fourth officer managed to escape the property and is also receiving treatment.
At a press conference late on Monday night, the commissioner said specialist forces had been engaged and that the event was extremely distressing.
"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, Commissioner Carroll said.
"Tragically, this is the largest loss of life we have suffered in one single incident in recent times."
Police searching for missing Dubbo man
Four Queensland police officers had gone to the property on Monday afternoon as part of a search for a missing Dubbo man.
The man was reported to have been seen in Dubbo in December last year but had been in contact with his family as recently as October 2022.
The property where the shooting took place is set among small acreage blocks and has a small wooden house.
Residents who lived near the property said it had been unoccupied for months until last Friday when they saw a vehicle go up the driveway and stay there over the weekend.
Prime Minister says it was a 'heartbreaking day'
Police Minister Mark Ryan said it was a "traumatic, confronting and devastating event" and paid tribute to the two "heroes" who lost their lives.
"I express my sincere condolences to their family, friends and colleagues and the entire police family," he said.
"These officers served with honour and we will always remember their sacrifice and service of our community."
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the shooting as a "horrible tragedy".
"I extend my deepest respects to their families and to the Queensland Police Service family as a whole," she tweeted.
"Our police risk their lives every day to keep us safe. I know Queensland joins with me in expressing our shock and sadness."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was a "heartbreaking day" for the loved ones of the officers killed.
Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said the community was mourning the loss of the young officers.
"This is a real tragedy across our region, a large region with a small population," Mr McVeigh said.
"These people would've gone to work to protect our community and have lost their lives — that's an absolute tragedy and the community is certainly feeling it this morning."
