FAMILY are by the bedside of the two Glen Innes police officers in a Gold Coast hospital following Friday night’s shooting.
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Leading Senior Constable Helen McMurtie was shot in the neck and remains in a serious but stable condition, after being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital.
The popular and long-serving Glen Innes policewoman was shot alongside Sergeant Mark Johnston, who also has been based in the town for a number of years.
He suffered a gunshot wound to the face and is understood to be in a stable condition and doing well, police said.
Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said police and witnesses rendered assistance to the injured pair after they were shot by a 74-year-old, who later turned the gun on himself. He died at the scene.
The pair were two of three officers who responded to a domestic call out on Church Street late on Friday night – the horrific events which are under police investigation.
Police confirmed the pair were shot with a 303 centerfire rifle.
“Our female officer has undergone some surgery and is currently receiving further medical treatment in relation to that very serious injury,” Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
“We hope and pray she makes a full recovery.
“There is certainly a road ahead for her in that regard.”
Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said he was proud of the “team” who worked “as a unit to extricate” themselves from the dangerous situation which unfolded shortly before 11pm.
“We're very mindful we could have lost two officers here in that incident,” he said.
“The whole police family wishes them a speedy recovery.”
Over the next few days and weeks and months to come we will be there for them.
- Police Association of NSW Armidale Branch chair Chris Jordan
Police Association of NSW Armidale Branch chair Chris Jordan told the Leader the shooting had shocked colleagues who were rallying behind the injured officers.
“We’ll do what we do best and that’s look after our members and their families following this horrible shooting,” he said.
“Over the next few days and weeks and months to come we will be there for them.
“This incident is a reflection of the dangers our officers face everyday when they pull on the blue uniform.”
NSW Police Legacy have setup a fundraising appeal for the injured officers to help them and their families.
“Following these shocking events, NSW Police Legacy has established this appeal,” the organisation said.
“All proceeds from this Appeal will go directly to the two officers and their families to assist in their rehabilitation.
Oxley police from Tamworth are leading the critical incident investigation along with officers from the homicide squad, which will be overseen by the professional standards command.
Ballistics police, forensic officers, specialists from the photogrammetry unit and a number of other specialists are examining the scene.
A roadblock remains in place on the New England Highway at the house.