Monday 11am:
A Toyota Landcruiser stolen from a Holbrook property is the latest clue in the search for Gino and Mark Stocco http://bit.ly/1OCMQnM
6.30pm:
The search to locate the armed bandits has been downsized.
Strike Force Kalkadoon’s command point at the Pulletop Road and Cheviots Hill Road intersection has been relocated back to Wagga police station.
Superintendent Bob Noble confirmed items had been seized, but could not elaborate.
4.30pm:
Police are scaling back the search for the two armed men, who are still on the run.
3.30pm:
Superintendent Bob Noble has said the search for Gino Stocco, 57, and is son Mark, 35, continues to expand.
The men, who have been on the run for eight years from police in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, are believed to have shot at Wagga police yesterday afternoon using a rifle.
The Nissan Nirvara they were chased by police in yesterday found dumped near Kyeamba Creek, about five kilometres from the Hume Highway, was retrieved about 2pm today.
Superintendent Noble said it was clear the men intended to use violence to avoid apprehension.
The search stretches into its 20th hour with police looking to beef up air resources and additional officers in the coming hours.
“We’re constantly assessing need to replenish those resources,” Superintendent Noble said.
“It is an hour by hour thing.
“We’re constantly re-briefing and assessing the situation.”
2.15pm:
The vehicle dumped 22km south of the police command point, on the Pulletop Road and Cheviots Hill Road intersection at Big Springs, has been retrieved and is being taken to Wagga for further forensics.
1pm:
Specialist taskforce officers from Sydney have joined the search for two of Australia’s most wanted men.
Wagga Superintendent Bob Noble confirmed the men, who shot at police yesterday, were still yet to be located.
Helicopters and dog squads are assisting with the growing search, which is likely to continue overnight.
Saturday 10am:
The search has continued overnight.
Police are expected to address the media over the coming hours.
10.30pm:
Strike Force Kalkadoon has been formed to manage the search and investigation, comprising a large number of officers from local and specialist commands based in the southern region of NSW.
The Victoria Police Air Wing is also assisting.
The search is expected to run throughout the night.
9.30pm:
Residents are advised to leave their properties as police continue to search for the two armed men.
7.20pm:
A Book Book resident has confirmed the car the men were travelling in has been located dumped in Kyeamba Creek, about five kilometres off the Hume Highway.
7.20pm:
The first report of today’s dramatic events has been filed here.
6.30pm:
Police are canvassing properties around the Ladysmith, Book Book and surrounding areas, urging residents to ensure their houses and cars are secure as the two bandits are believed to be on foot.
A police helicopter is assisting with the search in the area.
5.40pm:
Channel 7 is reporting the men who opened fire on police are two of Australia’s most wanted criminals – Gino and Mark Stocco.
Gino, 57, and his son Mark, 35, have been on the run for eight years from police in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
It is alleged the pair have left dozens of victims in their wake in regional areas in eastern states.
The men look for general work or caretaking roles in farming communities in exchange for accommodation and being paid in cash, 7News reported.
Police said in many cases, a disagreement between the owners and men triggers their crimes.
5.15pm:
Police have descended on a property about 10 kilometres south of Big Springs and have cornered what appears to be the silver Nissan Navara involved in the shooting earlier this afternoon.
Nine police cars and two ambulances are on scene at the corner of Pulletop and Cheviot Hills roads.
A police command post has been established.
Police are scouring a nearby property and a family with school aged children are at the front of the home. It is understood they are not connected with the incident.
Two police wagons have just sped down Cheviot Hills Road.
4.20pm:
Police have now moved on from Stolls Lane, near Mangoplah, and have now reportedly taken the operation to Big Springs. They are searching for a silver Nissan Navara.
All that remains at the scene is witches hats and a single police officer.
4.07pm:
The owner of a property neighbouring the police operation said the area was swarming with police.
"There are police cars everywhere," he said.
"I got pulled up trying to come through and police said there had been a shooting after they were chasing a stolen dual cab."
4pm
A major police operation is under way after two men opened fire at police on Friday afternoon near Mangoplah.
Police attempted to stop a silver Nissan Navara four-wheel drive when the police car was shot at.
The car sped off and police commenced pursuit. It was terminated, but the vehicle was again sighted by police on Cheviott Hills Road near the intersection of police.
The occupants again shot at police before fleeing. No one was injured.
There are reports more than 10 police units are currently searching for the vehicle and its occupants.
The registration plates of the wanted vehicle are CVS-95L.
Police are alerting the public not to approach but to notify police via Triple Zero immediately if the vehicle is sighted.
3.50pm
A police operation is under way in Mangoplah, south of Wagga, it has been confirmed by paramedics.
Channel 7 reported police have been fired upon and a police car has broken down.
The incident took place about 2.30pm.
More to come.
