Overview

• Police arrested a 42-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy during a Thursday night raid in Porepunkah, then released both after interviews pending further inquiries.
• Victoria Police report no confirmed sightings of the 56-year-old suspect and have widened searches to township properties while also probing mines, caves and dugouts.
• Deteriorating weather and difficult terrain are slowing operations, with emergency alerts, travel warnings and a closure of Mount Buffalo National Park in effect.
• Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and have appealed for the suspect to surrender, warning that anyone assisting him could face prosecution.
• The officers were shot while serving a warrant tied to alleged historic child sexual offending, a third officer is recovering, and national resources including AFP and interstate specialists are supporting the operation.