‘Very raw’: Gayndah police react to Wieambilla murders

As police stations across the region fly their flags at half mast, Australia has united in solidarity with a service feeling the full brunt of the horror that unfolded in the Darling Downs on Monday.

The flags on police stations across the Burnett are at half mast today as the community and especially Queensland’s police force, grapple with the horror of what unfolded on the Darling Downs on Monday night.

Two young police officers were killed by a wall of bullets in an execution-style ambush while a third officer was hunted through bushland by the gunmen.

Neighbours describe hearing chilling gun fight ‘like World War III’

Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were murdered in cold blood at a property at Wieambilla, south of Chinchilla, about 4.40pm Monday.

After the officers were shot, it’s understood the gunmen who were wearing camouflage fired further shots into their bodies, and their glocks were taken.

Gayndah Police officer in charge Don Auld said he was deeply saddened by the news that two Queensland Police officers had been killed in the line of duty.

“It’s very raw,” Sergeant Auld said.

“We are all deeply saddened by the loss. It is a terrible situation.”