Police surround man armed with compound bow in Queensland

The 44-year-old man, who is wearing body armour and is armed with a compound bow, barricaded himself within a Jubilee Pocket unit in the Whitsundays region yesterday afternoon.

Police confirmed a public safety preservation act (PSPA)had been enacted at around 4pm yesterday and is still ongoing.

“We’ve been here for over 24 hours. There’s a 44-year-old male we wish to speak to about a matter,” Acting Inspector Anthony Cowan said.

He said there is a large police presence in the area, with negotiators on the scene attempting to communicate with the man.

“We have numerous police officers across the district. Two streets are blocked off,” Cowan said.

“The mission at the moment is to negotiate public safety, with police trying to surrender him into custody without incident.”

Police confirmed there is no threat to public safety.

“There is no threat to the community, however members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors as a precaution,” a statement read.

Two streets have been blocked off and the PSPA warning is still in place.

The exclusion zone includes 100 metres from streets including Shute Harbour Road, Penticost Street, Cedar Crescent and Jubilee Pocket Road.

Residents are urged to stay in their homes and those outside the declared zone are advised not to enter the area.