Six dead, including two police, after ambush in rural Queensland
Six people, including two police officers, have been killed in a shootout at a property 300 kilometres west of Brisbane.
Press PLAY below to hear what we know
Four police were visiting the property at Wieambilla over a reported missing person from New South Wales when they were met by a hail of gunfire at about 4.30pm on Monday.
Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26.
Two police officers, Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold, were shot dead.
They were aged 29 and 26 respectively.
Another person, believed to be a neighbour, was also killed and a third officer was injured.
https://twitter.com/JordanFabris9/status/1602412660431077376
Special operations police were flown in and an intense gunfight ensued, with police shooting and killing two men and a woman at about 10.30pm.
Country Caller Regional News founder Harry Clarke was one of the first reporters on the scene yesterday.
“When I got there, there was a long-standing Chinchilla police officer, who I’ve known since a young boy,” he told Bill McDonald on 4BC Summer Mornings.
“I could see from the alarm on his face that it was a pretty serious situation.
“He said, ‘Mate, for your own safety, turn around and head back to Chinchilla’.”
Press PLAY below to hear Harry Clarke’s report
A remembrance fund for Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow has been established by the Queensland Police Union.
The QPU have established a sanctioned Remembrance Fund for Constable Matthew Arnold & Constable Rachel McCrow.
Arnold & McCrow Remembrance Fund
BSB: 704052
Account: 100 211 820
Ref: your nameQBANK members use the above details and the system will update it to say 387175 S1.6 pic.twitter.com/TxhTBrDdy3
— Ian Leavers APM (@IanLeavers) December 12, 2022
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia is mourning with the family and friends of the victims.
Terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. My condolences to all who are grieving tonight – Australia mourns with you.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 12, 2022
Image: 9News