Queensland police shooting: Investigators looking into theory trio rang cops using missing brother as bait

The “murderous trio” responsible for the deaths of two police officers and a neighbour had a “sophisticated surveillance network” set up at their property. New information on the fortress at the Train family’s Wieambilla site in rural Queensland has come to light as police continue to investigate the attack. Gareth Train, his wife, Stacey, and brother, Nathaniel, were armed and in camouflage gear when four police officers arrived at the property on Monday. And reports last night said investigators were now looking at whether one of the three shooters called NSW police after the public call for assistance, informing them that Nathaniel was on the property. “They are looking at this possibility that they called NSW police and told them they ‘think they know where he is’,’’ a source told The Australian. “NSW police acted on that and asked their Queensland counterparts to look into it as part of a routine missing persons’ inquiry. He was the bait.” Queensland’s Police Union boss Ian Leavers said after an inspection of the scene it was clear a “plan was put in place” to unleash the horrendous ambush before it happened. Constables Rachel McCrow, 29, and Matthew Arnold, 26, were quickly executed on arrival, while their colleagues, Const. Keely Brough and Const. Randall Kirk, both aged 28, were leftfighting for their lives. Neighbour Alan Dare was shot in the back and died after he investigated the commotion. “There was a sophisticated surveillance network which was put into place with preparations by this ruthless murderous trio with a plan to murder police,” Mr Leavers said. “This (plan) was put in place to lure police in ... to maim or murder them — which is exactly what has occurred. “I do believe when Rachel, Matt, Keely and Randall went in there, their lives were all going to be in danger and they never had a chance. Fortunately, Randall and Keely have survived.” After announcing their presence by honking their horn,the four officers moved towards the house. But when Const. McCrow and Const. Arnold jumped over the locked fence they were showered with bullets fired by the Trains — all previously involved in primaryschool education. It has since emerged that the trio shared a twisted backstory where Stacey married Nathaniel when they were teenagers, but she then left him for Gareth. Police are expected to remain at the property for days as the investigation continues. Mr Leavers said it would take “some time” before the final report wasprepared for the coroner.