A massive manhunt is underway in rural Victoria after two police officers were shot and killed and a third was seriously injured in the town of Porepunkah on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 am when a group of ten officers arrived at a property on Rayner Track to execute a search warrant related to historical sex abuse allegations. Authorities report the officers were ambushed upon arrival. A 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable were fatally shot. A third detective sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and has been transported to a hospital for surgery.

The suspect has been identified as 56-year-old Dezi Freeman. He fled the scene on foot into the surrounding bushland and is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Authorities believe he may be in possession of firearms taken from the deceased officers.

Victoria Police has declared an "active incident" in the area, deploying extensive resources including helicopters and specialist tactical units to locate Freeman. Local residents in Porepunkah and the surrounding region have been instructed to remain indoors and lock their doors. As a precaution, local schools were placed into a brief lockdown and the nearby airfield has been closed.

Freeman is reportedly linked to the sovereign citizen movement, a fringe ideology whose followers deny the authority of government, courts, and law enforcement. Sources indicate he has a history of hostility towards police.

The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the nation, where gun-related violence, particularly against police, is rare due to Australia’s strict firearm regulations.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush described the shootings as "a terribly tragic event for Victoria Police, the police family, and the country as a whole." Politicians and officials from across the country have expressed their sorrow and offered support to the families of the officers and the wider police community.

The manhunt for Freeman continues as the small community of Porepunkah remains on high alert.