At least two police officers and four others have been killed in a shooting in the Australian state of Queensland. As far as is known, the perpetrators have not yet been arrested. A huge police force is looking for them.
The incident occurred on an estate in Wiembilla, about 250 kilometers west of Brisbane. Four officers responded to a missing person report when two heavily armed men opened fire.
Two officers were killed instantly and the other two were injured. A passerby was also killed.
The Australian police then opened the hunt for suspects with many men and means. After the shooting, those wearing camouflage suits and reportedly body armor fled. They also shot up a police helicopter.
In the evening, police said two other men and a woman were killed in the shooting. It is not yet clear who they are and how they died.
The police have to guess the motive
Police have not yet provided any information on the possible cause. One of the officers under fire is a young policewoman who only completed her training a few weeks ago. She managed to escape and raise the alarm.
The area around Wiembilla has been cordoned off and numerous units are searching for the armed men. The authorities have ordered the few inhabitants of the area to stay indoors.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his horror at the officers’ deaths.
