Heavily armed police responding to armed assailant in Kanimbla and Brinsmead for the third day

Cairns police are continuing their manhunt for a knife-wielding suspect, having previously urged residents to stay indoors during the search.

Police were deployed on Wednesday, April 2 and could be seen by residents to have large rifles with them as they searched for an armed man. Picture: Facebook.

Police are continuing their search for a man brandishing a large knife, who has evaded capture for two days and is now entering a third in the greater Cairns region.

The manhunt began on Wednesday, April 2, after reports a man was armed and was seen walking into peoples yards between Brinsmead and Kanimbla.

The following morning, on Thursday, April 3, police warned residents within the same suburbs to stay inside as the search for the armed man continued.

It’s understood he likely spent the night hidden in nearby bushland and is believed to be of Papua New Guinea appearance.

CCTV stills, widely shared on social media by locals, show the man walking with a large knife around the streets and in people backyards.

A search for a man believed to be armed has entered its second day as police warn residents to remain inside until he is found. Picture: Facebook.

Residents captured the alleged assailant on CCTV footage. Picture: Facebook.

Authorities confirmed on Thursday they were called about 7am to Ramsey Drive in Kanimbla when the man had been spotting for a consecutive day.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said police were searching the area for the second day in a row, which included East Parkridge Drive in Brinsmead.

“Initial reports indicate a person witnessed a man with a weapon about 7am Thursday morning,” she said.

“Police were deployed with rifles yesterday (Wednesday) after first reports of the armed man.”

A resident in Kanimbla, who lives on Elphinstone St, said they were made aware there might be someone in the area on Thursday who was armed with a weapon.

“It was advised it’d be best to stay inside until they’re found,” the resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

It is understood no one has been injured and the man has not threatened anyone.

With residents sending CCTV footage of the alleged assailant to police, police thanked the public’s assistance so far, stating their assistance was greatly appreciated. Anyone who has seen the man or has relevant CCTV footage is encouraged to send it to Queensland Police and urged to call Triple Zero if they have any information.

Originally published as Heavily armed police responding to armed assailant in Kanimbla and Brinsmead for the third day