THREE people are dead following a shooting Thursday afternoon at Lake Cargelligo in central-western New South Wales, about 240km south of Cobar.

Emergency services were called to Walker Street, near Yelkin Street, Lake Cargelligo, following reports of a shooting. Officers attached to Central West Police District attended the scene.

Three people – two women and a man – have died.

Another man has been taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said NSW Police have identified a suspect who is still at large.

“We have a large search in the area currently underway. We are requesting that people remain indoors in the Lake Cargelligo area for their own safety,” Asst. Comm. Holland said.

“People can report any unusual activity or any concerns to call triple-0 or the police as soon as possible. We appreciate it.

“At this point it’s a very large search area being conducted. We have police from all sections of the New South Wales Police Force, tactical operations police, search co-ordinators and police in the air assisting us in the search of this offender,” he said.

“If people see someone suspicious, obviously the first thing to is call triple-0. Make sure that you are secure in your home. Stay away from windows where possible. There are concerns that this offender may be armed with a firearm.”

Lake Cargelligo, a tight-knit community with a population of around 1500, is known for mining and agriculture.

“This is a tragedy that’s taken place in a very small country town that will have a big effect on the community,” Asst. Comm. Holland said.

Police are appealing for anyone in the Lake Cargelligo area who may have mobile phone or dashcam vision, CCTV, photos, screenshots, or other material relevant to this incident to upload at Community Request Lake Cargelligo Incident

Members of the public are required to provide a name and contact details when uploading evidence.

Asst. Comm. Holland said police are searching a widespread area.

“Police have cordoned off a number of areas around Lake Cargelligo and surrounding towns and again we’re looking for the public to supply us with any information about any unusual activity taking place in their homes or in their local area,” Asst. Comm. Holland said.

“The offender is believed to have fled in a vehicle. I’d rather not disclose what sort of vehicle it is at this point.

“It will form part of the investigation. The offender is mobile, and we’re asking people in those areas to remain inside their premises for their own safety.”

Asst. Comm. Holland encourages anyone with any information, dash cam and any CCTV footage to contact the police.

“At this stage, our priority is identifying and locating the offender,” he said.

Police have commenced an investigation into the deaths, which occurred about 4.10pm yesterday.

“Upon arrival, police located a male and female deceased in a vehicle,” Asst. Comm. Holland said.

“A short time later, a second report of further shots being fired was made in Walker Street.

Police attended and located another male and female suffering gunshot wounds.

“In total, three people have died. Two females and one male, and the fourth male has been conveyed to hospital in a critical condition,” he said.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident has commenced.

The public is urged to avoid the area and for local residents to stay inside.

More information will be provided when it becomes available.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.