Australia: Manhunt under way after 2 police officers shot dead in Victoria ambush

A massive manhunt is under way in Victoria’s Alpine region after two police officers were killed and another wounded in what authorities described as a “cold-blooded ambush” at a rural property on Tuesday.

The incident unfolded in the small town of Porepunkah, about 300km (186 miles) north-east of Melbourne, when 10 officers arrived at the property around 10:30am local time (00:30 GMT) to execute an arrest warrant. Australian media reported that the warrant was related to historical sex offences.

According to police, the officers came under heavy gunfire as they attempted to approach the home. A 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable were fatally shot, while a third officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining officers managed to retreat and call for urgent backup.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that the suspect, described as “heavily armed,” fled the scene on foot into the surrounding bushland.

Authorities believe he is acting alone but are working to establish the whereabouts of his wife and children, who have not been accounted for.

“This was a calculated, cold-blooded attack on our members,” Commissioner Bush said. “Two of our colleagues, one a veteran detective and the other a young constable, were murdered while simply doing their job. This is a devastating day for Victoria Police and the entire community.”

Hundreds of officers, supported by helicopters, drones, and specialist tactical units, have been deployed in what police described as an “active and extremely dangerous” situation.

Residents in the Porepunkah area have been urged to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity.

Local roads have been cordoned off, and schools in the region were placed in lockdown as the search intensified late into the evening.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended condolences to the families of the slain officers, calling the attack “an unspeakable act of violence against those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.”

“This is a stark reminder of the risks our police take every single day,” Mr Albanese said.

“The nation mourns with Victoria Police tonight.”

Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect but described him as dangerous and urged the public not to approach him.

The investigation is ongoing, and police say they will provide updates as the situation develops.