A police officer has been shot dead during a routine callout to a rural property.
Police went to the property in North Motton, in Tasmania’s north-west, about 11am on Monday.
“A member of the public allegedly shot a police officer as the officer approached the house,” Tasmania Police said.
“Another police officer consequently discharged their firearm towards the alleged offender, who then surrendered to police.”
The officer died at the scene and the alleged offender was not seriously injured. The visit to the property was part of “routine duties”, police said.
Further information will be provided later on Monday afternoon.
A crime scene has been set up at the property, and police say there is no threat to the wider community.
“This is a traumatic incident and wellbeing support is being provided to those involved and affected,” police said.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the fatality in a post on Facebook.
“To everyone who had the honour of knowing this officer, especially his family and his colleagues, the love of an entire state is with you today,” he wrote.
“You will have every possible support made available, as we come to grips with this heartbreaking tragedy.”
Police minister Felix Ellis said it was a “dark day for our police force and wider community”.
“Tasmania Police is a family – and this sends shockwaves right through our community,” he said.
“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.”
A full police professional standards investigation is under way, and the coroner will also attend the scene.
North Motton is a rural area south of Ulverstone and home to a few hundred people.
-with AAP
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