A police standoff with a gunman has entered its 10th hour as surrounding residents remain locked inside their homes.
Police rushed to Elphinstone Drive at Kirwin, on the outskirts of Townsville in northeast Queensland, at 8pm on Sunday following reports a man was armed with a firearm alone inside.
The man allegedly fired several shots, hitting the attending officers’ vehicles and prompting an emergency declaration zone to be declared about 9pm.
It is understood there have been no more shots fired.
A siege has entered its 10th hour in a suburb west of Townsville. Picture: Queensland Police
Neighbours have been warned to lock their doors and stay inside as an exclusion zone remains in place between Dalrymple Rd and Golf Links Drive.
“This is for your safety and our safety, you leave the weapons inside,” police said over a loudspeaker to the gunman in audio obtained by The Courier Mail.
A number of police cars and officers remain on the scene. Picture: 7 News
Police told the gunman over a loudspeaker that he needs to come out. Picture: Sunrise
“You’ve already fired off some shots tonight, the situation is dangerous.
“We need you to put down the weapons and come out of the house.”
It is understood the gunman has barricaded himself inside the house alone.
There are also reports the wife and son of the alleged gunman were heard appealing to him over the loudspeaker.
It is understood the Avenues Tavern on the corner of Kern Brothers Drive also remains under lockdown, though it is unknown if there are patrons inside.
Specialist police and emergency operations have responded to the scene, with the siege ongoing as of 6am local time on Monday.
Neighbours remain in lockdown just before 6am. Picture: 7 News
One person was dressed in military fatigues, as footage from the scene showed officers gathered around emergency vehicles.
Witnesses stuck inside the exclusion zone have had a long sleepless night, with many still anxiously waiting for news on whether they will be able to take their kids to school or head to work later this morning.
One person was dressed in military fatigues at the scene. Picture: 7 News
Aircraft have been warned to avoid the area. Picture: 7 News
Police have urged members of the public and aircraft to stay away from the exclusion zone.
Queensland ambulance paramedics are stationed outside the property.
More to come