An armed ‘sovereign citizen’ has reportedly fled with his wife and two children after shooting dead two police officers and wounding another at a rural property in Porepunkah, 300km northeast of Melbourne.
The shooting is believed to have happened at a farm near the base of Mount Buffalo in Victoria’s alpine region.
The Age reported police were at the property to execute a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations on Tuesday morning.
The gunman who reportedly took two firearms from the dead officers is understood to live in a bus on the property and may have changed his name.
Heavy gunfire prevented local police from entering the property as they waited for Special Operations officers to arrive at the scene.
A police spokesperson stated: ‘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.’
Police near the scene where two police officers were killed and another was wounded at a property near Porepunkah, 300km northeast of Melbourne
The police were reportedly at the property to execute a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations on Tuesday morning. Officers are still searching for the gunman
Porepunkah residents have also been told to stay indoors while the police operation unfolds
Locals said the shooting occurred near Mount Buffalo Caravan Park.
About 30 police cars have swarmed the area, and officers are searching the caravan park.
Campers in tents have been shifted to secure cabins and police have advised people not to leave keys in their cars.
Emily, whose mum owns Mt Buffalo Caravan Park, spoke to the Daily Mail from her family’s locked-down caravan park.
‘We’re all ok but a bit rattled, stuff like this doesn’t happen here,’ she said.
Porepunkah residents have also been told to stay indoors while the police operation unfolds.
Children at Porepunkah Primary School are in lockdown.
Jill Gillies, the school’s principal, told ABC radio ‘we’re all safe and calm and having the best time we possibly can under the circumstances’.
Heavy gunfire prevented local police from entering the property as they waited for Special Operations officers to arrive at the scene
Police negotiators have arrived at the scene of the shooting
‘[The children] are fantastic, we do drills all the time, we have an emergency management plan which we enacted, we got into the classrooms really quickly, drew down our blinds, locked doors and made sure everyone was accounted for,’ Ms Gillies said.
‘I know it’s a worry to everyone but I just want to assure everyone that we’re all safe and calm.’
It’s since be reported the gunman stole two weapons and fled into bushland with two hostages.
Premier Jacinta Allan has advised Victorians to avoid the Porepunkah area and follow police advice.
In a statement posted to X on Tuesday just after 1.30pm, Ms Allan said the “thoughts of all Victorians” were with the police force following the shootings.
‘A police operation is currently underway in Porepunkah, in Victoria’s Northeast,’ she wrote.
‘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’
A massive police presence has swarmed on the alpine region
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was ‘very concerned for some of the police officers who are involved’.
‘Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day,’ Mr 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 – that are able to be released become clear.’
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said ‘our thoughts and prayers are with Victoria Police right now’.
‘We hope that they are all safe and well, however, we’re hearing there are some grave concerns for some of those police officers and our hearts go out to the community.’
Police have directed all media covering the unfolding event to Wangaratta Police Station.
‘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,’ the spokesperson said.
More to come.
