A police officer has been killed while taking part in a memorial motorcycle ride in honour of his fallen colleagues.
A Queensland officer died during a crash during the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance near Glen Innes in northern NSW on Wednesday.
Hundreds of riders taking part in the annual event honouring police officers who have been killed in the line of duty left Brisbane earlier in the day.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles confirmed the tragic news on Wednesday night.
‘Devastated to hear an off duty Queensland police officer has died during the Wall to Wall memorial ride near Glen Innes,’ Mr Miles posted on X.
‘My deepest condolences to family, friends and all members of the Qld Police Service. Our thoughts are with you at this tough time.’
No further details are currently available.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Queensland and NSW Police for further comment.
A Queensland police officer has died during the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance, which began in Brisbane (pictured) earlier on Wednesday
The annual event honours police officers who have been killed in the line of duty
The Liberal candidate for the Gold Coast state seat of Gaven led the tributes
‘He was a great bloke, always up for a chat and a laugh. My heart goes out to his loved ones and the entire police family,’ Bianca Stone posted late Wednesday night.
Earlier on Wednesday, a group of Queensland Police motorcyclists and supporters gathered at the Police Memorial in Brisbane to begin their journey to to Canberra.
Riders accepted the symbolic Commissioner’s baton from Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, which they will carry for the length of their journey.
The baton containing a scroll with the names of any Queensland officers who lost their lives in the previous calendar year.
No officers have been killed while on duty in the past year.
The Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance began in Brisbane on Wednesday and will end in Canberra on Saturday
‘While I acknowledge the baton is empty this year, I recognise the profound impact the recent deaths of Rachel McCrow, Matthew Arnold and Dave Masters has had on our organisation, their family and friends, and community,’ Commissioner Gollschewski said.
‘I thank the riders helping the QPS safely deliver the baton and joining our policing counterparts across the country to remember the fallen.
‘With honour they served.’
More than 3,000 riders from across Australia will converge in Canberra ahead of a memorial service to be held in the nation’s capital on Saturday.
The annual ride is in lead up to National Police Remembrance Day on September 29.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk