Two police officers have have been killed and another injured following a shooting at a Porepunkah rural property on Tuesday morning.
Reports indicate that Victoria Police members attended the property to execute a search warrant when the offender has shot the members, two fatally.
It's believed the shooter has then taken the weapons from the members.
As of 3.30pm Tuesday he remained at large, with the area an active police operation, as a police helicopter and on the ground patrols searching nearby bushland.
Porepunkah township businesses, organisations and residents were instructed to stay indoors.
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Armed police members have been patrolling the streets, including Special Operations Group police members.
Victoria Police confirmed with the Wangaratta Chronicle at 12 noon on Tuesday that "police are currently at a property in Porepunkah".
"This is still an active incident and we will provide more information when it's operationally safe to do so," a police spokesperson said.
"We ask people avoid the area."
Alpine Shire Council posted a message on its website at about 1.30pm that it had closed all council facilities effective immediately.
This includes all transfer stations, libraries and visitor information centres and depots across the shire, council's customer service centre in Bright, and Bright Sports Centre.
Tuesday night's ordinary council meeting has also been postponed, and will be rescheduled for two weeks' time.
Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas said "today has been a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community".
"First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the two police officers tragically killed in Porepunkah," Cr Nicholas said.
"Our thoughts, love, and unwavering support are with you during this incredibly painful time.
"We hold our police in the highest regard.
"They serve with courage, compassion, and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region.
"We are deeply grateful for their service and commitment.
"To our community - we know today has been unsettling and emotional.
"Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and for following police instructions to stay safe.
"Your care for one another is what makes our shire so strong.
"To our wonderful teachers - thank you for being a steady and calming presence for our children during today’s lockdowns.
"Your kindness and reassurance have made a world of difference in helping our young ones feel safe and supported.
"As the situation continues to unfold, all council facilities will remain closed until further notice, and tonight’s council meeting has been postponed.
"We will keep our community informed as services resume.
"We are grieving together, and we will continue to support one another with compassion and care. Please stay safe."
Porepunkah Primary School principal Jill Gillies told the Wangaratta Chronicle mid-afternoon on Tuesday that they were doing okay.
"We practice these things and we're just in lock down at the moment," Ms Gillies.
"As we are under the direction of Victoria Police at the moment, we're not allowed to have anyone come in or anyone go out.
"It's just pure lockdown, so not evacuation and everyone is just locked down into their classrooms with their class teachers.
"It started off as normal school work but we've ramped it up to more of the fun stuff to keep the kids distracted.
"We've made sure everyone has lunch and we made lunch for the kids who were waiting on a lunch order."
"We're just waiting patiently and teachers are amazing people and they can keep things moving along and children happy, for sustained periods of time."
Premier Jacinta Allan issued a statement that she had been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police.
"Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day," Ms Allan said.
“They are the best of us – and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the shooting.
"There is grave concern for some of the police officers who are involved," Mr Albanese said.
"Our thoughts are with the police for the work that they do each and every day.
"The men and women who wear our uniform, wear the uniform of the police force take risks each and every day."
