GUNMEN SHOOT POLICE

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 May 1946, Page 7

GUNMEN SHOOT POLICE

TWO PLUCKY DETECTIVES GIVE CHASE BURGLARY ATTEMPT FOILED SYDNEY, May 30. Two detectives were shot at pointblank range when they confronted two armed bandits, who were trying to break into the Cabramatta Post Office, 18 miles from Sydney early to-day. The gunmen then dashed off in driving rain. As they did so the wounded detectives fired five shots after them. They possibly hit one. Both of the gunmen made their escape in a waiting car. The wounded detectives gave chase in their police car. After half _an hour’s pursuit one of the detectives was semi-conscious, and the other was on the point of collapse. Then the detectives drove to Parramatta police station for help. One of them was shot on the left side, the bullet puncturing the wall of the stomach, and passing out near the left kidney. The other detective had a bullet in the thigh. Neither of them is in a serious condition. The two detectives are Bernard O’Regan, aged 30, and Alan Gilchrist, aged 29. They were cruising in a patrol car past the post office at Cabramatta when they saw two men at the door. When the detectives approached, one of the men opened fire. Detective O’Regan dived at him, and he received a bullet in the stomach. Detective Gilchrist closed with the other man, who shot himself free. Drawing revolvers, the detectives then pursued the men for 100 yards, firing as they ran. The police radio network later called all ©f the available wireless cars to the spot. Police squads have since combed the area all day, but it now appears that the criminals have made good their escape.

ARMS RAID ON SYDNEY HOMES SYDNEY, May 30. Last night and this morning detectives raided Sydney surburban homes, and they arrested three men for the illegal possession of .firearms. £BOO stolenln post office HOLD-UP MELBOURNE, May 30. Two armed bandits held up the West Brunswick postmaster in Melbourne to-day. They knocked out his esfcort and stole £BOO in pensions money. They then escaped in a stolen car, driven by an' accomplice. The escort was moving in to seize one bandit when the other struck him on the head. A client walked into the post office while the holp-up .was taking place. The client was pushed into a corner, amj was covered with a revolver. One bandit was masked with a’ dirty white handkerchief.