Porepunkah: Manhunt after two police officers killed in rural Victoria shooting
Two police officers have been shot dead and a third has been injured after they were ambushed at a property in rural Victoria.
The officers were executing a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations when an offender opened fire, The Age reports.
Emergency services rushed to the small town of Porepunkah in Victoria’s alpine region, about 300km north-east of Melbourne, after the alarm was raised about 10.55am on Tuesday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Heavily armed officers from the Special Operations Group are searching for the offender who fled the scene.
“This is still an active incident and we will provide more information when it’s operationally safe to do so,” Victoria Police said.
“This is an active and ongoing incident which may present significant risk to members of the public.”
Locals have been told to stay indoors and Porepunkah Primary School, which is about 800m from the scene, has been locked down.
Principal Jill Gillies told ABC they were instructed at 11.10am to keep their 106 students inside.
“We were told there was an incident near the school,” she said.
“We have plenty of movies and distractions for the children and will continue to follow police orders.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his thoughts were with the police community.
“The men and women who wear our uniform, wear the uniform of the police, take risks each and every day.
“The Victorian police commissioner will be providing updates during the afternoon as more facts that are - that are able to be released become clear.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she was being briefed on the ongoing situation.
“This situation remains active,” she said.
“Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day. They are the best of us – and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today.
“Please follow the advice of Victoria Police and avoid the area. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
At the last census, Porepunkah had a population of just 1000 people.
