Live updates
Two officers are dead and another wounded after a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
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Live updates
12.22pm
Police urge public to stay away from the area
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A call for urgent assistance at the Porepunkah property was made at 10.55am.
Heavily armed officers from the Special Operations Group are on their way to an active incident in the alpine town near the base of Mount Buffalo in Victoria’s High Country, where police are already on the scene.
Police have advised the public to stay away from the area.
12.29pm
Google Earth image of the Porepunkah property
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A police officer has been wounded and there are grave concerns for two other officers after a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne and seven kilometres west of Bright.
Here is an aerial image of the property:
A high-res image of a property where a police officer has been shot and two others are missing near Porepunkah.Credit: Google Earth
12.35pm
Police release updated media statement
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Police are now treating this as “an active incident” and are concerned about the risk to members of the public, pleading with people to stay away from the scene.
Here is some of the updated police statement:
Police are currently at a property in Porepunkah.
This is still an active incident and we will provide more information when it’s operationally safe to do so.
We ask people avoid the area. This is all the information we are able to confirm at this time. When we are able to provide an update, we will do so as soon as possible.
This is an active and ongoing incident which may present significant risk to members of the public. We are asking that you do not attend the scene at this time.
12.45pm
School in lockdown: Children watch movies as distraction
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Porepunkah Primary School, located about 800 metres from the scene, has been in lockdown since 11.30am.
The school’s principal, Jill Gillies, confirmed all 106 students are safe and watching movies to stay distracted. She said that the school initiated a pre-emptive lockdown after being notified of an unfolding police situation. She said the decision was made to ensure the safety of the children and keep everyone calm.
The school’s emergency management plan was activated, and students were quickly moved into classrooms, where blinds were drawn and doors were locked.
The children will remain inside until the lockdown is lifted.
12.51pm
‘High-speed unmarked cars flying down the Alpine Road’: local
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A nearby resident, who did not want to be identified, said locals had not yet been told to stay indoors.
“We heard from friends who are in town that there were eight (police) cars (at the property),” she said.
“It’s insane. We’ve lost count of how many vehicles have gone past.
“There are ambulance vehicles and high-speed unmarked cars flying down the Alpine Road.”
1.05pm
Two officers dead at property in Porepunkah
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Two officers are dead and another wounded after a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
Heavy gunfire has prevented police from entering the property as they wait for Special Operations officers to arrive on the scene.
Three police sources not authorised to speak on behalf of the force have told this masthead that two officers were killed in an ambush attack. Victoria Police has declined to comment.
One officer was shot in the thigh while serving a warrant at the property on Tuesday morning. Police are still searching for the offender.
We will bring you the latest updates as we confirm them.
1.14pm
Prime minister expresses sympathy for police
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his sympathy for the police involved in the incident, saying he was concerned for the officers involved.
“Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day,” Albanese said.
“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 able to be released become clear.”
1.21pm
Police were executing warrant for historical sex abuse allegations
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BREAKING: Police were visiting a High Country home to execute a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations when two officers were shot dead in an ambush.
Another officer was wounded after shots were fired at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
Heavy gunfire has prevented police from entering the property as they wait for Special Operations officers to arrive on the scene.
Three police sources not authorised to speak on behalf of the force told this masthead that two officers were killed in an ambush attack. Victoria Police has declined to comment.
1.40pm
Porepunkah on high alert as shooter remains at large
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The operator of an Ampol petrol station on Nicholson Street in Porepunkah told the ABC the town was in lockdown and he had seen emergency vehicles race through on their way from the Great Alpine Road to Mount Buffalo, on the highway.
A customer who had spoken with a policeman had told him that two officers had been killed during a normal police operation and another had survived.
“People are worried,” he said. “People have been told not to come outside because the shooter is still on the run.″
1.44pm
Premier Allan praises police bravery.
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Premier Jacinta Allan has issued a statement on the Porepunkah incident, stating that the “situation remains active.
Here is the statement:
I have been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. This situation remains active.
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.