Queensland policeman shot in head after responding to armed robbery on Australia's Gold Coast

Three armed robbery suspects are in custody while a policeman is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot in the head on Australia's Gold Coast overnight, Queensland Police said on Monday.

The incident occurred shortly before 11 p.m. (local time) on Sunday after police were called to an armed robbery in progress at the Pacific Pines Tavern on the Gold Coast.

Senior Constable Damian Leeding, one of the first two officers on the scene, was injured by a shotgun wound to his head, police said.

The 34-year-old officer is in a critical condition in the Southport Hospital in Queensland.

Assistant commissioner Paul Wilson told reporters the three suspects were being questioned by police but have not been charged yet.

"I'm confident we have every person involved in this incident in our custody assisting us with our inquiries," he said.

Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the robbery occurred around closing time and there were hostages taken.

He said this incident would raise further questions about the need for a specific armed robbery squad on the Gold Coast.

Source: Xinhua

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