Teen shot by police

QUEENSLAND police yesterday shot a 16-year-old boy at a home southwest of Brisbane. Two officers opened fire at the boy after he allegedly threatened them with a knife at the home on Danube Street, Springfield just before 2.30pm.

Detective Superintendent Brian Swan said the officers were called to the home after reports of a disturbance.

“On arrival police took up with the family members there and on trying to enter the house were confronted by a young person, a 16-year-old male armed with a knife,” Det Supt Swan said. “The police officers drew their firearms and the young person was shot once, we believe.”

The boy was taken to the Princess Alexandria Hospital in a serious but stable condition with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his upper body. Det Supt Swan said both police officers were understood to have fired their weapons.

Police union president Ian Leavers supported the officers involved and said it was a difficult time for them as well as the boy’s family, who were being interviewed. Police said an investigation of the incident will be conducted by the Ethical Standards Command.