"With Honour They Served": Outpouring of emotion after shooting victims identified
The two police officers who were executed at a Queensland rural property have been identified.
Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow were at a property in the western Darling Downs, about three hours west of Brisbane when they were shot on December 12.
One of the neighbours, Alan Dare, 58, was also shot and killed in the attack which led to a manhunt for the alleged attackers.
Police services around the country offered their condolences to the families of Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow after their heroic actions.
“It is with a heavy heart we confirm the deaths of Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow,” Queensland Police wrote on Facebook.
“Their lives were cut tragically short in the line of duty at Wieambilla yesterday.
“With Honour They Served.”
Police were at the rural property in response to a missing person, who was later identified as former school principal Nathaniel Train.
There were grave concerns for Mr Train who disappeared from Dubbo in the NSW Central West in early December.
Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow were joined by two other officers, Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, at the property.
A six-hour siege ensued, with the officers opening fire about 4.45 pm which saw Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow killed.
Constable Kirk was also wounded while Constable Brough, who was only eight weeks into her new role, managed to escape and raise the alarm.
The pair were finally joined by Special Operations police and helped them shoot dead three suspects, including brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train, and a third female, after a six hour siege.
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll was heartbroken at describing what had happened, following the death of her colleagues.
“This has been incredibly distressing and tragic for everyone, particularly family, officers involved, colleagues, the organisation and the community,” she said.
“As you would appreciate. It is an extremely emotional and challenging time for the Queensland Police Service. Losing one of our own has a profound impact on every single officer and their families. To lose two officers in one incident is absolutely devastating.
“This event is the largest loss of police life we have suffered in a single incident in many years.
“I want to pay tribute to the two other officers who attended....they bravely did what they could to save their colleagues in the most horrendous circumstances. Their bravery was beyond belief.
“Thank you also to the specialist police and other first stand-of-responders who were involved in the dangerous confrontation for many hours last night. Matthew and Rachel were highly respected and much loved members of the Queensland Police Service.
“They were both committed and courageous young people who had a passion for policing and for serving their community.
“Both are under 30 years of age. Both had wonderful careers and lives ahead of them.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also offered his condolences to the fallen officers.
“Terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” he wrote on Twitter.
“My condolences to all who are grieving tonight – Australia mourns with you.”
Images: Facebook