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Tasmanian police officer shot dead at rural property in state’s north-west Tasmanian police officer shot dead at rural property during court-issued attempt to repossess house
(about 2 hours later)
Officer was attending the property as part of ‘routine duties’ and was shot as they approached the house, police allege Officer was attending the property to execute a warrant and was shot as he approached the house, police allege
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A Tasmanian police officer has died after a shooting in the state’s north-west. A “devastated” family is in mourning and an alleged offender is in custody after a Tasmanian police officer died in a shooting in the state’s north-west.
Police said officers attended a residential property on Allison Road in North Motton at about 11am on Monday in relation to “routine duties”. They alleged a member of the public shot an officer as they approached the house. The police commissioner, Donna Adams, said officers attended a residential property on Allison Road in North Motton at about 11am on Monday to execute a court-issued warrant to repossess the residence. They alleged a member of the public shot a male officer as they approached the house.
Police said another officer consequently fired towards the alleged offender, who then surrendered to police. Adams said another officer then fired towards the alleged offender, who surrendered to police.
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The alleged offender was in custody on Monday afternoon and had not yet been formally charged.
North Motton, a small rural township of about 400 people, is located 28km west of Devonport.North Motton, a small rural township of about 400 people, is located 28km west of Devonport.
The police officer who was shot was critically injured and died at the scene, according to police. The alleged offender was not seriously injured. The police officer who was shot was critically injured and died at the scene, Adams said. The alleged offender was not seriously injured.
The dead officer’s family had asked that he was not yet identified publicly, Adams said.
“This is absolutely devastating, and we are doing everything we can to support those involved and affected,” she said.
“He was a respected and committed officer who has served the community with dedication for 25 years, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community,” she said.
“My heart goes out to his wife and family today. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.”
Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public, but urged community members to avoid the area. Police remained at the scene on Monday afternoon.Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public, but urged community members to avoid the area. Police remained at the scene on Monday afternoon.
“This is a traumatic incident and wellbeing support is being provided to those involved and affected,” police said. Wellbeing support was being provided to all officers and individuals affected by the incident, and a full professional standards investigation was under way, as was protocol for serious incidents involving police.
“As is normal process in any serious incident involving police, a full professional standards investigation is under way.” Adams said safety was her “highest priority”, and every aspect of the police response would be reviewed.
The coroner was notified and was attending the scene. “This incident is a stark reminder of the risks our officers face every day,” she said.
“If changes need to be made, they will be made.
“We are doing everything we can to support our officer’s colleagues and family, who are understandably devastated. While no other police were physically injured, the emotional impact is profound.”
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Tributes flowed in from state and federal politicians after the “heartbreaking tragedy”.
The acting prime minister and minister for defence, Richard Marles, said he was “saddened to hear of the tragic passing” of the officer in his line of duty.
“Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and community,” he posted on X.
The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, labelled it a “tragic day” for Tasmania and the nation.
“The loss of a police officer in the line of duty is a solemn reminder of the risks our police face to keep us safe,” she said in a statement.
“My thoughts are with the officer’s family, friends and colleagues. We owe a debt to our police who willingly go towards danger to keep us safe. We can never forget their service and sacrifice.”
The premier of Tasmania, Jeremy Rockliff, said the “love of an entire state” was with family and friends of the deceased officer.
“It is with enormous sadness that I can confirm a Tasmania Police officer has lost their life today in the line of duty,” he posted on X.
“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.
“And you will have every possible support made available, as we come to grips with this heartbreaking tragedy.”
The coroner was notified and attended the scene.