Gunman was shot by police after his car hit officer

A gunman was shot in the back by police as he fled after firing at his family home where his wife and children were inside.

Donald Melville Ineson, 56, died about 4pm on Sunday after police were called to his Darfield home following reports he had threatened his family with a loaded firearm, which he discharged ‘‘multiple times’’ in a bid to get inside.

Two police officers were near the property assessing the situation when Ineson drove out of the property at speed and towards both officers. One officer was struck by the car.

Ineson began driving away as police fired shots at his car, before he U-turned and again drove towards the two officers. The car then rolled to a stop. The farmhand, who was going through a marriage breakup, was found dead in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound.

District commander Superintendent John Price confirmed one or more shots fired entered the rear of the car.

‘‘While the investigation is ongoing ... police have established that one or more shots was fired by police after the deceased’s vehicle had just been driven at officers hitting and seriously injuring one of them.’’

Preliminary findings from the autopsy indicated a small fragment from a bullet struck Ineson in the back, Price said.

The officer injured in the incident remains in hospital.

Both of the officers had access to police-issue Bushmaster rifles and Glock pistols. One had armed offenders squad experience.