Updated
Senior Constable Damian Leeding was responding to a triple-0 call at the Pacific Pines Tavern when he was shot. (ABC TV)
A police officer is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot in the face during an armed hold-up on Queensland's Gold Coast.
Senior Constable Damian Leeding, 34, from Coomera was responding a triple-0 call at the Pacific Pines Tavern when he was shot in the face as he approached the tavern.
Queensland Police Union (QPU) president Ian Leavers says Senior Constable Leeding was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene just before 11pm (AEST).
"Damian and a female detective were responding to alleged armed robbery in progress and upon approaching the tavern the offender has come towards Damian and he has been shot in the head," he said.
It is understood three people armed with guns had been threatening staff and customers at the tavern.
Police say they believe up seven people had been involved in the hold-up.
Police detained two men as they tried to run into nearby parkland and they are being questioned about the incident.
One was bitten by a police dog.
Ambulance officers assessed the man but say he did not require hospital treatment.
Police have cordoned off the area and are searching for the remaining five suspects.
Mr Leavers says Senior Constable Leeding has undergone emergency surgery in the Gold Coast hospital and is in a critical condition.
He says he has been to the hospital and spoken with the female detective who was with Senior Constable Leeding at the time of the shooting.
"This is unfortunately the unpredictable nature of police work which can occur from time to time, but it is tragic and we are hoping for a good outcome," he said.
Mr Leavers says Senior Constable Leeding is a well respected officer with Coomera CIB.
"Damian is a married man - his wife is also a police officer and he has two very young children," he said.
"It is a very distressing time and our prayers and thoughts are with them.
"I have spoken to the colleagues and police on the scene and all are hoping for the best possible outcome and our prayers and thoughts are with Damian and his family."
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said at a press conference "the worst situation almost that you could possibly imagine for us has occurred".
Commissioner Atkinson says officers at Coomera CIB will be given extra support.
"It's our intention to bring in extra police from outside to help in the staffing of Coomera for the next 48 hours so that the officers at least have additional back-up there," Commissioner Atkinson said.
"If they choose to take some time off and then we can support them in that regard."
Commissioner Atkinson says he believes the incident will touch the wider community.
"I think there will be an outpouring of support for people who in the daily course of their duties put their own safety at risk to protect the public," he said.
Police want to hear from anyone with information about the incident.
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Chat about this story w/ TalkitaSource: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/30/3230115.htm
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