Emergency services respond to fatal incident in state’s northwest

Tasmania’s leaders have called Monday “a dark day” after a well-respected police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty — the first fatal police shooting in the state in 26 years.

A police officer has been shot dead at a regional property in Tasmania’s north. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

Tasmania’s leaders have called Monday “a dark day” after a well-respected seasoned police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty — the first fatal police shooting in the state in 26 years.

The incident unfolded shortly after 11am on Monday, where police say the officer was attending a residential property on Allison Road in North Motton, North-West Tasmania, to execute a court-issued warrant to repossess the home.

Commissioner Donna Adams said as police approached the house, the officer was allegedly shot by the resident.

“He was critically injured in the incident and died at the scene,” Commissioner Adams said.

“This is absolutely devastating, and we are doing everything we can to support those involved and affected.”

Commissioner Donna Adams. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

The fallen officer’s family has asked that he is not yet identified publicly.

“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,” Commissioner Adams 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.”

Commissioner Adams confirmed the incident is being thoroughly investigated.

“Officer safety is my highest priority, and this incident is a stark reminder of the risks our officers face every day,” she said.

“We will review every aspect of this response, and if changes need to be made, they will be made.”

A police officer has been shot dead at a regional property on Allison Road in Tasmania’s north. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

Wellbeing support is being provided to all officers and individuals affected by the incident.

“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.”

The alleged offender is in custody and has not yet been formally charged.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has taken to social media to share his enormous sadness over the death of a Tasmania Police officer in the line of duty.

“To everyone who had the honour of knowing this officer, especially his family and his colleagues,” Mr Rockliff said.

“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.”

According to the national police memorial’s honour roll, this is the first officer who has died while on duty since 1999.

Flowers left at the Devonport Police Station after a senior officer was shot and killed in the line of duty in northwest Tasmania. Picture: Tasmania Police

Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis also expressed his condolences to those affected.

“Today is a dark day for our police force and wider community,” Mr Ellis said.

“Tasmania Police is a family – and this sends shockwaves right through our community.

“Our hearts go out to the officer’s loved ones, our north west community, and our Tasmania Police family.

“Many will be hurting today, and I encourage those impacted to seek support.”

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis, with Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Specialist Support, Stuart Wilkinson.

Labor leader Dean Winter also shared his condolences in the wake of the tragedy.

“Our police officers put themselves on the line for Tasmanians every day,” Mr Winter said.

“But today one officer won’t make it home to their family. Nothing could be more heartbreaking.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family, loved ones and the entire Tasmania Police community.

“Every police officer who serves our community deserves to return home safely.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said he was “saddened to hear of the tragic passing of a Tasmanian police officer in the line of duty today”.

“Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and community.”

EARLIER: Tasmania Police has confirmed a police officer has tragically died after being shot.

They say officers remain at the residential property on Allison Rd, North Motton in northwest Tasmania.

Police report a member of the public allegedly shot a police officer as they approached the house.

Map North Motton, where Tasmania Police officer was shot dead. Picture: Google Maps

The spokesperson said another officer then discharged their firearm towards the alleged offender, who then surrendered to police.

They said the officer who was shot was critically injured and died at the scene.

It’s understood the alleged offender was not seriously injured.

Police confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public, but community members should avoid the area.

A crime scene has been established and officers are patrolling Allison Rd between intersections of Walkers Rd, Preston Rd and Saltmarshs Rd.

“This is a traumatic incident and wellbeing support is being provided to those involved and affected,” the spokesperson said.

“As is normal process in any serious incident involving police, a full professional standards investigation is underway.”

The coroner has been notified and is attending the scene, police say.

EARLIER: It’s understood a police officer has tragically lost his life following a shooting incident at a rural Tasmanian property.

Reportedly, the male officer died after the serious incident.

Another person, understood to be an offender, was also injured from the altercation.

Earlier, police said there was no ongoing threat to the wider community.

1pm: Emergency services are responding to a serious incident at North Motton in the state’s northwest this afternoon.

Police confirmed an officer and offender had been injured during the alleged altercation.

They say there’s no ongoing threat to the wider community.

Police are expected to provide further details on the situation later this afternoon.

Originally published as Emergency services respond to fatal incident in state’s northwest