Updated ,first published
A toddler has been rescued from a siege that left two adults dead and forced an outback town into lockdown for hours.
The incident unfolded in Charleville, about 740 kilometres west of Brisbane in south-west Queensland, after police rushed to reports of a serious assault at a home about 6pm on Wednesday.
Residents across a three-street block were ordered to stay inside for nearly eight hours as specialist police swarmed the area and declared an emergency situation.
Inside the home, officers found the bodies of a 45-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, while a toddler only just old enough to walk was found alive at the property.
Southern region assistant commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said on Thursday morning the scene had become dangerous for police.
“The situation became quite dynamic and quite threatening to police quite quickly, and … they withdrew to a point of safety,” he said.
He said negotiators were then brought in, as were specialist police from Brisbane. Vanderbyl added reports the woman were pregnant had not been verified by investigators.
Police are treating the deaths as a murder-suicide. A crime scene was established and a report would be prepared for the coroner.
The young child was talk to hospital, but was not seriously injured.
Police have not confirmed if the man was armed.
“It will take some time to try and piece together the events of what happened last night,” Vanderbyl said.
The case will be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command.
Charleville mayor Shaun Radnedge said the survival of the child was a rare shard of hope in a heartbreaking day for the tight-knit community.
“Our community is devastated by the tragic events that unfolded in Charleville overnight,” he said.
“We are a close-knit town, and an incident of this nature is felt deeply by many people.
“The little baby has survived. I don’t know how or don’t know why, but it’s there.”
The council is organising support for the community through the days ahead.
“We encourage anyone affected by this tragedy to reach out to family, friends, neighbours or local support services,” Radnedge said.
“Please do not carry this alone. Charleville is strong because its people look out for one another.
“In the coming days, I ask everyone to show compassion, avoid speculation and give those directly impacted the privacy and respect they need at this incredibly difficult time.”
Police were expected to provide more information in a press conference on Thursday morning.
AAP
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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