Australian officer shot dead at job

[Hawk1]

Tragic news coming out of Brisbane today. A reminder for everyone to take great care when doing even the most routine job.
RIP brother



A POLICEMAN yelled, 'He's got a gun - I'm hit' during a Brisbane arrest that left Constable Brett Irwin dead and his alleged killer in a critical condition in hospital.

The man alleged to have shot dead a Brisbane police officer later shot himself in the head, Queensland's police union said this afternoon.

Constable Brett Irwin, 33, was killed as he attended what should have been a routine inquiry at Keperra, in Brisbane's north-west, shortly before 11pm yesterday.

Const Irwin and his partner, also a young male constable, attended the Regan Street home to speak to the 27-year old occupant about breaching his bail conditions.

When they arrived at the residence no one answered the front door so Constable Irwin went to the back entrance of the house while his partner remained outside.

Soon after, Constable Irwin was shot in the chest.

The resident of the house, believed to be the offender, remained in the house for several hours.

Queensland Police union spokesman Denis Fitzpatrick said Critical Emergency Response Team officers arrived at the house and attempted to negotiate with the man.

"Highly trained police were brought to the scene, there were police negotiators who were actually talking to this gentleman, trying to have a peaceful resolution, basically a surrender," Mr Fitzpatrick told ABC Radio.

"Unfortunately that was not to be the case, and as I understand it he has discharged his weapon on to himself."

The man is now in a critical condition in hospital with head wounds.

Earlier today, reports revealed Constable Irwin was heard yelling "He's got a gun. I'm hit" after entering the property.

Police said the gunman's de facto wife, another woman and two young children were released into police custody and were assisting officers.

Special Emergency Response Team officers and police negotiators moved in before midnight and the dog squad was also at the scene.

Police stormed the home about 1.30am using "flash-bang" distraction devices and found the body of their colleague.

Constable Irwin, 33, was inducted into the Queensland Police Service last year and served at Ferny Grove police station and Fortitude Valley.

He had a partner but no children.

Commissioner Bob Atkinson said it was a tragedy.

“It is so tragic to know that this officer was simply performing one of the routine jobs of a police officer," the commissioner said.

"This officer was a young man at the start of a promising career and this incident is such a terrible loss of life.

“We are all shocked by the circumstances surrounding his death. It is a sad reminder of the dangers and unpredictability police officers face on a daily basis.

“On behalf of all members of the Queensland Police Service and the extended police family, we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Constable Irwin’s family, friends and colleagues. We share the immeasurable grief they are feeling this morning.

“We are providing every possible support to his family and loved ones, and we have a number of measures already in place to help his fellow officers at this tragic time."

He said the gunman was known to police and had an extensive criminal history but the Commissioner defended the Police Service's actions in sending two constables to the house to arrest the man on an outstanding warrant.

Assistant commissioner Peter Barron, of Metro North Region, said the other officer had received counselling.

The Police Ethical Standards Command was investigating the circumstances of the shootings, overseen by the Coroner’s Conduct Commission.

[CT209]

R.I.P. Constable.

[mfranklin01]

RIP brother

[iso607]

Rest in peace Brother.

[Jenna]

Rest in peace.

[depusm12]

R.I.P.

[BEB]

Rest well, Constable Irwin

[Tony]

[Willowdared]

I saw this yesterday....my thoughts and prayers to his family and department.

[Trojan 42]

May he rest in Peace

[Ianl6]

Rest In Peace

[HudsonHawk]

RIP brother

[Roses]

Very sad! May he rest in peace. My condolences to the department, his partner and his friends and family.

[Sapper_132]

RIP

[Lo523]

RIP

[snuffy2202]

Rest in Peace.

[Just KC]

RIP

[gozling]

many thoughts and prayers...
so sad

[10-42Adam]

RIP

[Star Man]

R.I.P.