An Australian police officer has been shot dead on a rural property in Tasmania.
The officer was undertaking “routine duties” at a house in North Motton, near the town of Ulverstone, on Monday morning when he was fired at by “a member of the public”, Tasmania Police said in a statement.
A second police officer returned fire, injuring the suspect, who then surrendered.
The alleged offender was not seriously injured, but the police officer died of his injuries at the scene.
Shootings are relatively rare in Australia, which introduced some of the world’s strictest firearm regulations after 35 people were killed in a massacre by a lone gunman at Port Arthur, Tasmania, in 1996.
Following Monday’s shooting a crime scene was established in North Motton and the coroner was notified, a police spokesperson said, adding that “there is no ongoing threat to the public”.
“This is a traumatic incident and well-being support is being provided to those involved and affected,” the statement said.
Police are expected to update the media on Monday afternoon.
In a statement, Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff called the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy”.
To everyone who had the honour of knowing this officer, especially his family and his colleagues… the love of an entire State is with you today.”
