Murdered police officers ‘didn’t stand a chance’ as they arrived at an ambush
New details surrounding the Queensland siege have been released as we begin to understand the full extent of the attack.
The two young police officers killed have now been identified as Constables Mathew Arnold and Rachel McCrow.
The individuals were gunned down while attending a missing-person inquiry at a rural property.
In total, six people lost their lives, three of whom are the alleged attackers.
The other was a neighbour and innocent bystander, identified as Alan Dare.
Queensland police is paying tribute to the two young Constables, who are being remembered as brave and selfless individuals.
Holding back tears, Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said they didn’t stand a chance.
“Both under 30 years of age. Both had wonderful careers and lives ahead of them,” she said.
“Yesterday, as they did every day, they put their lives on the line to serve their community. In this awful incident, they made the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly, both Matthew and Rachel had only recently commenced their policing careers.
“Unfortunately, this incident is a tragic reminder of the unpredictable nature of policing. Every day, our officers face very real dangers while protecting their communities. I know the days and weeks ahead will be extremely difficult for us as a police family. To all our officers and their loved ones, please look out for each other.”
Missing school principal at the centre of the attack
It comes as new details about the attack are released.
Queensland police officers were visiting the property, south of Chinchilla, to make inquiries about missing New South Wales school principal, Nathaniel Train.
Mr Train was with his brother Gareth, who owned the property, and they were shot dead by police. A woman was also killed by authorities.
One of the two police officers who survived the ambush is 27-year-old Randell Kirk. It’s believed a bullet grazed his leg and he remains in hospital.
A fourth police officer narrowly escaped despite the gunmen lighting a bushfire in an attempt to flush her out. She was in constant contact with her colleagues as she fled and hid.
Authorities have labeled this an execution-style attack.
The two officers who died were initially shot and wounded as they walked up the driveway.
They were then seen to be approached by the gunmen, who were clad in military-style camouflage, and shot where they lay.
Special Operations police then arrived on the scene, shooting dead the three alleged offenders in a gunfight.
This incident of course happening just 12 days before Christmas. A devastating time for the friends and families of the victims.
