NSW: Two women, one man dead after gunman opens fire in Lake Cargelligo, public urged to stay inside

Three people have died in a shooting in a NSW town as police work to find the gunman who remains on the loose.

Two women and one man lost their lives in the incident at Lake Cargelligo, with another man being taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

NSW police released a statement urging the public to stay inside.

“About 4.40pm, emergency services were called to Walker Street, near Yelkin Street, Lake Cargelligo, following reports of a shooting,” the statement said.

“Officers attached to Central West Police District attended the scene.

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

The gunman is yet to be apprehended, however police have reportedly dispatched resources to neighbouring districts to aid in the search.

The Sydney Morning Herald said the alleged shooter is believed to hiding in the town with a long-arm weapon.

Lake Cargelligo is a small country town about three hours south-west of Dubbo and about five hours west of Sydney.

The town has a population of around 1400, according to the 2021 census, and is known for water sports and bird watching.

Roy Butler, the NSW MP for Barwon which includes Lake Cargelligo, said on social media that he heard the tragic news just moments after his plane landed.

“It’s a terrible situation, and it’s still live, so we don’t have much information,” he said.

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

The tragedy lands on the National Day of Mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack that left 15 people dead and many more injured.

The mass shooting on December 14 has prompted new gun laws to be passed that create enhanced background checks for people with gun licenses, greater information sharing between security agencies and tougher tests for those applying for a gun licence.