Manhunt under way after the death of two police officers in Australia: the suspect on the run is “heavily armed” and "dangerous

The man suspected of shooting dead two police officers in Australia is still at large. He is “heavily armed” and “dangerous”. So said a police official at a press conference. There are conflicting reports as to whether the man is travelling alone or in the company of his partner and their two children. A manhunt is underway.

According to the Australian media, the two deceased officers were ambushed as they and eight colleagues searched a suspect's home in a remote area of Porepunkah, in the Australian state of Victoria.

A warrant had been issued for the man's arrest, for a sexual offence. A third officer was seriously injured.

The 56-year-old suspect reportedly lives in a bus on the property and is a “sovereign citizen”. Sovereign citizens are conspiracy theorists who believe they are not subject to the laws of the state. He reportedly fled into the bush after the incident. Police have asked residents in and around Porepunkah to “exercise particular caution” and to remain indoors “until further notice”.

The victims were a 59-year-old inspector and a 35-year-old policeman. Both were killed instantly. A third received serious lower-body injuries, according to an Australian police statement. It added that the “exact circumstances” of the tragedy “remain to be determined”. The injured policeman was taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery.

Fatal shootings are rare in Australia, and it's also rare for police officers to be killed in the line of duty. Since an enraged gunman opened fire on tourists on the South Australian island of Tasmania in 1996, killing 35 people, automatic and semi-automatic weapons have been banned.