The seven uninjured officers remained at the scene for hours as they worked to contain the property, with police forced to carry the bodies of their slain colleagues from the active search scene.
Speaking from Wangaratta on Tuesday evening, Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the two officers were “murdered in cold blood”.
“I would like to acknowledge our fine and brave officers who lost their lives today in the line of duty.
“I would like to talk to the police, family and the loved ones of our lost and fallen officers. Myself and every member of Victoria Police are with you at this moment. Our hearts go out to you. We thank those courageous officers,” Bush said.
He confirmed that Freeman had fled immediately after the shootings.
“He was heavily armed, and he was able to escape into the bush. I do understand that he was pursued, but he was able to get away on foot,” Bush said.
Bush said he was “obviously a very dangerous person” and was known to police.
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt also paid tribute to the fallen officers, who are yet to be publicly identified by police.
“Every officer is mourning right now, every one knows the spectre of self-
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