Armed tactical police have descended on the remote settlement of Mount Hope following a reported sighting of alleged triple murderer Julian Ingram, who remains on the run after Thursday's fatal shootings in Lake Cargelligo.
Police Search Intensifies in Remote NSW Settlement
The dramatic police operation unfolded after authorities received reports that Ingram was sighted in Mount Hope at around midnight on Saturday. According to police information, the 37-year-old was reportedly seen with the same black Suzuki hatchback he allegedly fled in after Thursday's violent incidents.
Details of Thursday's Alleged Murders
Ingram is alleged to have gunned down his heavily pregnant ex-partner Sophie Quinn, 25, alongside her new boyfriend John Harris, 32, in Lake Cargelligo on Thursday afternoon. The remote town lies approximately 600 kilometres west of Sydney.
Police allege that following this initial shooting, Ingram then proceeded to another residence where he killed Sophie Quinn's aunt, Nerida Quinn, 50, and seriously injured Nerida's 19-year-old neighbour, Kaleb MacQueen.
Police Response and Public Warning
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland confirmed that tactical police are currently searching multiple properties in the Mount Hope area. The remote settlement, which according to the 2021 ABS Census has a population of just 16 people, lies about an hour's drive north from Lake Cargelligo.
Assistant Commissioner Holland issued a stark warning to the public during a media briefing on Sunday. 'Tactical police are in that location now carrying out searches... obviously with an armed offender in that area, we are asking members of the public to exercise extreme caution,' he stated.
'There is no lockdown in the area, but people need to be careful about their movements, and obviously, report to police any unusual activity,' Holland added.
Possibility of Local Assistance
When questioned by reporters about whether Ingram might be receiving assistance from locals, Assistant Commissioner Holland acknowledged this possibility could not be ruled out. 'We think that he's on his own at this present time, but, again, we can't rule out the possibility that he's been assisted by locals,' he explained.
Holland noted that Mount Hope represents an area where Ingram has 'very good knowledge of' the terrain and surroundings, potentially complicating the search operation.
Massive Police Operation Underway
Approximately 100 police officers are currently involved in the search for Ingram across the surrounding regions. The substantial police presence underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating this manhunt.
Police have issued an urgent appeal for public assistance regarding a vehicle with the registration number DM07GZ. Anyone with information about this vehicle is urged to contact triple zero immediately.
The Mount Hope sighting occurred just under 100 kilometres from where the initial shootings took place on Thursday, indicating Ingram may still be operating within a relatively confined geographical area despite his head start on authorities.
As the search continues, residents in the region remain on high alert while police maintain their intensive efforts to locate the alleged murderer.
