A gunman is reported to be at large in an Australian town following shootings that killed three people and wounded one.
Police were called to two addresses in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, after 4pm on Thursday (7am in the UK).
Two couples, a man and woman, had been shot in each location within minutes, Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said.
Both women, and a man, died. Another man was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition, he added.
State police have been searching for the suspect and have cordoned off the town – which has a population of around 1,500 – to prevent his escape.
They know the gunmen’s identity but not his relationship with the victims, who were all Lake Cargelligo locals. The suspect’s name has not been released.
Heavily armed tactical police were sent in from other areas, as officers urged the public to avoid the town and for local residents to stay inside.
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Local state parliament politician Roy Butler also told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the shooting was “tragic news” for the town.
“It’s a terrible situation, and it’s still live, so we don’t have much information. My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he added.
The shootings came as Australia marked a national day of mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack last December, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted on X that a minute’s silence would take place on Thursday, and added: “This is a day of remembrance. And a day of unity. Because light will always be stronger than hate.”
Earlier this week, Australian politicians fast tracked reforms to toughen gun control and hate crime laws, voting for a national gun buyback scheme, tighter background checks for firearms licences and tougher penalties for those spreading hate.
