Wieambilla neighbour shaken by 'horrible' siege, fallen officers identified

Retiree John Watkins, who lives about 2km from the scene, east of Condamine on the Western Downs, was put into lockdown at around 6.18pm after two police officers and a neighbour were shot dead by gunmen equipped with "considerable weaponry".

Mr Watkins locked his doors and was watching and reading the news as police helicopters flew overhead searching for the armed offenders.

"There are helicopters flying overhead and I am in contact with my neighbour," he said at the time.

"It is a horrible thing that has happened and it is not over yet. My doors are locked."

Two males and a female were fatally shot during a confrontation with police shortly after 10.30pm.

On Tuesday morning, Mr Watkins was left in disbelief.

"I was very concerned and still a bit shaken. [It was] too close to home and such a bad thing for police to confront. All of it could have been avoided if these killers just let it go," he said.

"How did they know the police were coming?

"It seems we may have met the male and female officers at one time and they were very young, but I cannot be sure."

On Tuesday morning, police confirmed the deaths of Tara officers Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, during the incident at Wieambilla.

The neighbour who died was confirmed to be a 58-year-old Wieambilla man.

Constable Randall Kirk from Chinchilla Station was injured and escaped with fellow Constable Keeley Brough.

Constable McCrow had only been in the job for 18 months, while Constable Arnold was only sworn in in March 2020.

Both officers started their careers in Dalby before transferring to Tara.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll will be visiting their families "in the very near future".

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers spoke with Constable Arnold's father on Monday night.

"It's hard to know what to say. He was devastated and still processing what was occurring," Mr Leavers said.

QPU has set up a remembrance fund on its website and social media, with all donations going to the officers' families.

Ms Carroll has visited the crime scene, which she says is "unimaginable, distressing and confronting".

"In my opinion, those officers did not stand a chance. The fact that two got out alive is a miracle," she said.

Police Minister Mark Ryan described the loss of life as "innocence stolen by evil".

On Monday at around 4:30pm, the four officers attended a property on Wains Rd at Wieambilla in relation to a NSW missing person investigation.

Initial information indicates the officers were shot by two armed offenders as they approached the residence on the property.

A neighbour was also shot and died at the location.

An emergency declaration was declared under the Public Safety Preservation Act provisions, encompassing the area of Chinchilla Tara Rd, Wieambilla Rd, Bennetts School Rd, and Mary Street.

A siege situation ensued at the property and specialist police officers and PolAir responded.

Three people at the property, a 46-year-old Cairns man, a 47-year-old Wieambilla man and a 45-year-old Wieambilla woman, were fatally shot by specialist police at the scene around 10.30pm.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the horrific incident was devastating for the victims' families and the entire organisation.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the officers' families, friends and colleagues and our thoughts are with them during this extremely difficult time," Ms Carroll said.

"Tragically, this is the largest loss of life the QPS has suffered in one single incident in recent times.

"It is devastating news and I know it will be deeply felt across Queensland.

"It is sad reminder of the unpredictable nature of policing and the incredible dangers our officers face while protecting our community."

A crime scene has been established at the property.

Circumstances surrounding the incident, including the deaths, will be investigated by police and overviewed by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the coroner.

The PSPA was revoked at 9.44am Tuesday.

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