New South Wales police are in mourning after an officer was killed in the line of duty.

The 26-year-old was executing a search warrant for drugs at a unit in Bankstown early last night when he was shot in the head and neck.

Ella Cole reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

The state’s first police death on active duty since 2002 has rocked its officers.

Scott Weber, NSW Police Association president: “Today, all NSW police are mourning. We’ve lost a brother, we’ve lost a son, we’ve lost a good mate, and most of all we’ve lost a colleague.”

Constable William Crews was part of the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad who were called to investigate the suspected drug operation.

Police say there was nothing they could do to save Constable Crews despite their swift response to the emergency.

Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli, NSW Police: “I think this once again demonstrates how dangerous police work is, but also the professionalism that is deployed by all police officers even though one of their own was injured.”

A 55-year-old man has been charged over the shooting, and another man has appeared in court for possessing an unauthorised firearm.

Commissioner Andrew Scipione, NSW Police: “There are a number of persons currently in custody who are assisting police with this investigation.”

Several more shots were fired from the unit during the two hour long siege.

Witnesses say the scene was dramatic.

Vox 1: “A lot of sirens, helicopters, a lady screaming and yeah, came outside and the whole street was blocked off.”

Vox 2: “We were watching TV and the next thing we know there’s about four shotguns.”

Police have confirmed no drugs were found on the property.

Ella Cole, QUT News.