Six people died, including two police officers in their twenties, when a routine missing persons investigation turned into an hours-long siege at a remote Australian property, police said on Tuesday.
Four officers arrived at a tree-lined property near the small town of Wieambilla on Monday.
"As soon as they entered the property, they were inundated with gunfire," said Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers, "they never had a chance."
"Two police officers were executed in cold blood," he said.
The deceased were identified as 26-year-old Rachel McCrow and 29-year-old Matthew Arnold. Both joined the force in the last two years and were still constables.
"Those officers paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe," said Queensland Police Commander Katarina Carroll, holding back tears as she briefed the public on the "extraordinarily distressing" events.
A 58-year-old neighbour believed to have heard the commotion and investigated the scene was also shot and "declared deceased at the location," according to police.
