Police close Captain Cook Highway in search for person of interest
Shots have been fired, police cars have been rammed and a man is cornered in a dramatic police operation that has closed the Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns this morning.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SHOTS have been fired at police after an armed offender rammed multiple police cars and injured at least one officer in an unfolding siege on the Captain Cook Highway in Cairns.
Heavily armed police supported by a helicopter have cordoned off the highway and surrounded the man who is hiding in mangroves in the crocodile-inhabited Thomatis Creek, north of the airport.
“He is armed. It is a siege situation,’’ a police spokesman said. “We’ve got a cordon around him.’’
He said officers responded to a break and enter at 4.30am this morning.
When confronted the armed man has rammed at least three police cars and started firing shots at police.
Police took cover and the man ran into the canefields and swamp between the go cart track and Thomatis Creek at about 5.05am.
It is understood at least one officer is injured and is being treated for a broken arm.
It’s also understood the man’s car has been on fire, which caused ammunition to explode in the vehicle.
The highway has been closed between Holloways Beach and Yorkeys Knob.
Motorists are being told to expect delays and police are urging anyone in the area to follow the directions of officers at the scene.
Boy, 5, rushed to hospital after being hit by car
A five-year-old boy has been rushed to hospital after being struck by a car at Ipswich.
‘Running out of time’: Aged care providers unprepared for looming reforms
Aged care providers are warning they’re not prepared for a looming reform rollout, with a deadline of July 1, citing a lack of training, finalised rules, and official government guidance.