Porepunkah police shooting : Officer treated for ‘serious’ injuries Ambulance Victoria has confirmed that the injured officer is receiving treatment for “serious lower body injuries.
The officer was airlifted by ambulance and is currently in stable condition. No additional information has been released regarding others involved in the incident.
Alleged shooter on the run
The suspected offender is still at large and is reportedly not alone, with reports indicating that several family members, including children, are accompanying him.
All of Porepunkah in lockdown
Nearly the entire town of Porepunkah is under lockdown as police respond to a shooting incident. Authorities have confirmed the situation remains “active,” leading to the closure of local facilities.
The local primary school, located just 800 meters from the scene, has about 100 children in lockdown on campus.
Earlier this afternoon, the Alpine Shire Council announced the immediate closure of all council-operated facilities.
This includes Transfer Stations, Libraries, Visitor Information Centres, Depots across the Shire, the Council’s Customer Service Centre in Bright, and the Bright Sports Centre.
Federal MP sends condolences over ‘horrifying news’
Federal MP for Nicholls, Sam Birrell, called the reports from Porepunkah “horrifying.”
In a Facebook post, Birrell expressed his condolences to fellow MP Helen Haines, who represents the seat of Indi in north-east Victoria.
“Victoria Police risk their lives to protect our community, and seeing this occur is an affront to everything we value in a civilised society,” Birrell wrote.
Where is Porepunkah?
Porepunkah sits along the Great Alpine Road at the base of Mount Buffalo, roughly 300km north-east of Melbourne.
Due to the town’s remote location, police resources are currently limited.
According to the 2021 Census, the town has a population of 1,024, and its closest neighboring town, Bright, is just 5km away.
Premier urges public to avoid the area
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan addressed the shooting during Question Time in the Victorian parliament, urging people to stay clear of the area while police carry out their work.
I ask the Victorian community, especially those in that beautiful part of the state’s northeast, to follow Victoria Police advice and avoid the area,” she said.
She confirmed that a police operation is underway in Porepunkah and that she has been briefed by the Chief
Commissioner. “The situation remains active. Victoria Police officers and all our first responders demonstrate extraordinary bravery and courage every day,” Allan said.
Injured officer taken to hospital
The injured police officer has been transported to Wangaratta Hospital, according to reports.
The hospital is approximately an hour away from Porepunkah, and the officer’s condition has not yet been confirmed.
Dozens of police officers descend on country town
Dozens of police officers are currently in Porepunkah as the situation continues to develop.
The Special Operations Group is among the units present at the scene.
It is understood that the three officers had visited the property earlier today on their own.
Two police officers have died in the shooting, while another officer was injured.
According to reports, the officers were at the property to serve a warrant related to historical sex abuse allegations.
Authorities are still searching for the suspect, who was reportedly residing in a bus on the property.
What we know so far
The situation is developing quickly, with police issuing only one statement so far. Here’s what is known:
No arrests have been reported at this time.
A critical incident occurred while police were at a property in Porepunkah, rural Victoria.
One officer was injured, and there are “grave fears” for two others.
A significant police presence is now in the small town.
The Prime Minister expressed “grave concerns” for the officers involved.
The public has been advised to stay away from the area.
Primary school in lockdown
Porepunkah Primary School has been placed in lockdown.
The principal told The Age that the children are safe and passing the time by watching movies.
A local resident described Porepunkah as a “pretty quiet community” and noted that several police vehicles were seen moving through the town.
No one has been taken into custody so far.
PM ‘very concerned’ as incident unfolds
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed that he is “very concerned” for the police officers involved.
“Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do every single day. The men and women who wear the uniform put themselves at risk daily,” the PM told reporters in Canberra.
The Victorian Police Commissioner is expected to provide updates this afternoon as more information becomes available.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw, who joined Albanese, said there are “grave fears” for the officers as the situation develops.
“From the police family, the wider community across Australia, and even internationally, our thoughts and prayers are with Victoria Police,” Kershaw said.
We hope all officers are safe, but there are serious concerns for some of them, and our hearts go out to the community.
Grave fears’ for officers involved
There are serious concerns for two police officers who are believed to be missing at a property in rural north-east Victoria, where another officer has been shot.
According to The Age, one officer was shot in the thigh while serving a warrant at a home in Porepunkah, located in Victoria’s alpine region about 300km from Melbourne.
Two additional officers are still unaccounted for.
Leave a Reply